Get on top of Predator Control

Predator control is high on the list of priorities as we approach the breeding season for all manner of game and wildlife.

Gamekeepers and farmers will pay particular attention to magpies and crows before eggs and chicks start to arrive.

Getting on top of predators is much easier in February and March than later in the year. Due to vegetation being thin and the nights long predators have to work harder for food.

Fox Control

Foxes also need to be managed. Every vixen taken at this time of year is one less litter of cubs later on. Snares, traps and firearms are all valued tools of the trade.

Hares and lapwings benefit from a well-managed fox population – it gives them a chance to successfully rear their young.

READ MORE: The effect of predator control for lapwing breeding on wet grassland nature reserves – Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (gwct.org.uk)

Some vermin can be effectively managed year round. So don’t forget to keep an eye out for the other usual suspects!

Squirrels

Grey squirrels cause serious problems for foresters, native wildlife and gamekeepers. Bark stripping from tree trunks during the months of May and June damages stands of timber and natural woodland. In spring, the taking of eggs and young chicks will be devastating for songbird and ground-nesting bird populations in some areas.

Damage to hoppers, feed bins and water pipe can cause serious and costly problems for Game and Poultry keepers. Squirrels chew through plastic to get to a food source.

The grey squirrel is a significant factor in the decline of the native red squirrel population in the UK. Invest in a quality squirrel trap to help protect our native red population.

Key products in stock:

• Live Catch Traps
• Mk4 or Mk6 Vermin traps
• Goodnature A18 Trap with metal Trap Guard

Rats & Mice

Milder winters in recent years are thought to have helped rat populations thrive.

Despite this there are many reasons why control is required year round.

• Property damage
• Spread of disease
• Destroying cables, electrics
• Cost of game & poultry feed supplies
• Eating eggs

Bare in mind that poison control has been regulated for a couple years. Buying in bulk is no longer possible without valid farm assurance membership or a Rat Control certificate.

Read more: CRRU Poison regulations

However, we do still supply rat poison in bulk but you will need to call to order! 01308 485422.

Instead of using poison consider an effective trapping approach. You may need more traps than you think is warranted when trapping rats. Usually, the rat population is larger than expected.

Place rat traps in darkened corners, along walls, behind appliances and objects, and all areas where droppings are evident.

Since rats need to touch surfaces as they move, place them accordingly. Place rat traps spaced from 15-20 feet apart. Remember to place them touching a wall since rats like to run along walls to avoid detection.

Take a look at some of our other top products below.

The shooting season is over and with this in mind February is the ideal time to get cracking.

In short, a gamekeeper’s work life is never quiet.