by Brianna Crandall — February 12, 2014— Mitie Group, the U.K.-based FTSE 250 strategic outsourcing company, has called for greater attention from industry leaders on the effects of high levels of rodenticides on the environment. The company pest control business recently published a white paper on the subject and held a seminar to inform clients on recent E.U. regulatory changes that will ensure a more controlled and targeted approach to the use of rodenticides.
The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012) concerns the placing on the market and use of biocidal products, which are used to protect humans, animals, materials or articles against harmful organisms like pests or bacteria. It replaces the Biocidal Products Directive (Directive 98/8/EC).
These regulatory changes are intended to reduce the risk of secondary poisoning resulting from the consumption of rodents by birds and other predators. Through the reduction of rodenticides used externally, it should also aid in dealing with the increasing pesticide resistance from rodents, notes Mitie.
The company’s White Paper from Pete Trotman: The Effects of Biocides Legislation on Pest Management covers how the biocide regulations, which came into effect in September 2013, are affecting the pest control industry via the control of rodenticides.
In recognition of the new regulations, Mitie is extensively using its environmentally friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which is a holistic approach to pest control, involving a partnership between Mitie and its clients. The program focuses on a targeted approach to pest management, moving away from a high reliance on extensive use of rodenticides, to more effectively manage environmental conditions.
Peter Trotman, managing director of Mitie’s pest control business said, “For too many years, the pest control industry has been overusing a ‘blanketing’ approach to leaving rodenticide in exterior bait boxes as a ‘preventative’ measure. Without doubt this has had some negative effect on our environment. The Biocide Products Regulation aims at reducing this practice. Mitie has been leading the way by offering clients environmentally friendly options, such as the Integrated Pest Management program, while ensuring legal compliance and managing the risk of rodent activity in a more sustainable manner.”
