Pesticide usage in Scotland: Rodenticide use by Local Authorities 2023

Compliance with best practice for rodenticide use

All local authorities were asked to complete a questionnaire in relation to their training history and their compliance with the principles of best practice for rodenticide use identified by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Usage (CRRU)⁽⁶⁾ (Table 3).

Twenty six LAs responded to this part of the survey, although some did not respond to every question. All 26 stated that operatives had received training in rodenticide use. In relation to baiting, all 26 LAs reported that they regularly inspect bait and 25 (96%) said that they always protect it from non-target animals. Twenty two out of 24 responding LAs (92%) indicated that they used tamper proof bait stations, with only two stating that they did not. Twenty two of 26 LAs (85%) stated that they always record the quantity and location of baits (down from 97% in 2015⁽¹⁾), 23 (88%) of 26 LAs conduct searches for rodent carcasses (90% in 2015) and 23 (88%) removed bait after targeted baiting periods (up from 72% in 2015). Two LAs explained why they did not search for carcasses; one cited time constraints and the other said that they would if requested, but did not do it routinely as most baiting was internal and it was rare for rodents to die "in situ".

Of those LAs that did not remove all baits, two indicated that this applied to more than 20% of baits laid. An additional LA indicated that it accounted for 5-10% of baits laid. The responses from LAs in relation to compliance with best practice are broadly similar to those provided in the 2015 survey⁽¹⁾.

LAs were also asked how they disposed of rodent carcasses. Of the 24 LAs that removed carcasses, 21 (88%) provided a response to this question. The majority disposed of them at landfill sites (67%). The remainder used a combination of disposal methods, including burial, incineration and use of waste disposal companies, often in combination. (Figure 9).

Figure 9 Disposal methods used by LAs and their contractors in 2023

A bar chart showing percentage use of different disposal methods by LAs and their contractors in 2023. Landfill was the most common method of disposal, accounting for 67% of responses.