Using Rattoff®
- Applying Rattoff®
- Dose Rate
- Optimum Treatment Time
- RATTOFF® Safety
- Restrictions and Permits
- Storage and Supply
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RATTOFF® sachets are supplied in handy pack sizes for major programmes. The sachets are ready-to-use and can be applied by hand from vehicles or tractors while other operations are being conducted in the crop (e.g. weed spraying).
Baiting throughout the crop area brings best results
The ideal time for rat control in sugar crops is from early ratoon stage to canopy closure, which for Australia is any time between October and March.
Maximum rat numbers normally occur later in the crop (around April to June) but the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is to try to reduce the population of breeders before the population explodes. This has the added advantage of reducing damage to ratoon cane by ground rats.
The objective is to prevent economic damage, not wait until rat numbers are catastrophic before taking preventative action.
Inspect crops for evidence of rat activity such as runways, active holes or signs of fresh damage to the crop.
The best method is to place a line of about 10 standard rat traps at about 10 metres apart at a couple of sites in the crop. The traps can be primed with a small piece of cardboard soaked in linseed oil and should be checked next morning.
If 10% or more of the traps have captured rats, then control is required.
Containers must not be reused.
A small quantity of phosphine gas is trapped in the headspace of containers and is released during opening. Lids must therefore be removed in the open air and breathing of the gas (faint garlic-like odour) should be avoided.
Wear gloves while handling bait.
Follow all other label precautions exactly.
Rats may carry a potentially fatal disease called leptospirosis. It can be contracted by rat bites and from rat urine. Wear gloves while handling rats and always wash hands thoroughly in soap and disinfectant after handling traps.
RATTOFF® is fully registered by the Agricultural Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for use in cane crops.
Native rodents in Queensland can only be destroyed if the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) issues a Damage Mitigation Permit for the area to be treated. Other rodents can be destroyed without permit requirements.
RATTOFF® is stable if stored in its original packaging at room temperature for several years. However, landholders are encouraged to purchase only that bait required for immediate programmes. During short term storage on farm the product must be stored in a locked area which is well ventilated.
RATTOFF® – Protecting Australia's sugar crops.
Animal Control Technologies
46-50 Freight Drive
Somerton, Victoria, 3062
Australia
Telephone +61 3 9308 9688
Fax +61 3 9308 9622
E-mail: enquiries@animalcontrol.com.au
