Bait box

A plastic or metal box containing toxic or non-toxic rodent bait placed in or around infrastructure protected by a pest controller. They protect bait from non-target species like dogs, cats and birds.

Biocide

A biocide is a chemical substance, mixture or microorganism intended to control any harmful organism in a way that is not purely physical or mechanical. In public health pest management, these are usually rodenticides or insecticides.

Behavioural resistance

Rats and mice have genetically encoded behavioural patterns designed to increase the survival of their species in hostile environments. One of these behaviours in rats is neophobia: the fear of new objects within their environment. Another is an aversion to food that makes them feel unwell, also known as base or bait shyness. Resistance leads to harder-to-treat pest infestations and more failed treatments.

Biological resistance

Sometimes called genetic or metabolic resistance. Rats, mice and insects can develop resistance to the active ingredients in biocides. CRRU UK has found genes for resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides in 78% of rats and 95% of house mice. Resistance leads to harder to treat pest infestations and more failed treatments.

BS EN 16636 Standard for Pest Management

Pest management services requirements and competences, and the accompanying certification scheme, which sets the benchmark for professional pest management.

The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU UK)

A trade organisation that runs a stewardship scheme for professional rodenticide users. Their guidance is industry best practice and specified on many rodenticide products. They were given the responsibility by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to reduce the amounts of rodenticides found in wildlife.

GB Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR)

The legislation that dictates how chemical pest control products are regulated and approved for the UK market. GB BPR covers 22 different product types under four main groups which includes disinfectants, preservatives, pest control and antifouling products.

Insecticide

A biocide specifically formulated for insects. Not all insecticides can be used against all insects and the label conditions on the product tell you more specifically which insects which products can be used on.

Pest professional

A qualified pest technician, officer or specialist who engages in continuous professional development (CPD).

Secondary poisoning

Secondary poisoning occurs when a non-target animal ingests another organism that has poison in its system. Many biocides are bioacumulative, meaning if a mouse dies from a biocide and then a bird of prey eats that mouse, the bird of prey will get a dose of poison too. If the bird eats enough poisoned mice, it might be significantly harmed by the poison or its ability to reproduce. Wildlife and pets can be affected by secondary poisoning making it especially important that biocides are used by professionals.

Snap trap

A snap trap (sometimes called a break-back trap) is a wooden, metal or plastic trap which comes with a powerful snapping mechanism designed to kill rodents immediately upon contact.

Rodenticide

A biocide specifically formulated for rats and mice. Despite the name, rodenticides can harm other wildlife and people. They are bioaccumulative, meaning that if a predator eats something that has rodenticide in its system, it too can get a dose of poison.

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