RABBIT CONTROL
USING PHOSTOXIN
Resistance to myxomatosis,
together with the fact that
weaker strains of the myxoma
virus are replacing the more
virulent strains, means that the
rabbit has become a major pest
again.
The benefits to be
obtained from
rabbit control
The biology and
habits of rabbits
European Rabbit
(Oryctolagus cuniculus)
A fully grown rabbit will weigh
between 1.5 and 2kg (31/2 to
41/2lb) and can consume 500g
(1.1lb) of green food a day.
Farmers, foresters, growers and
gamekeepers are all well aware
of the destruction caused by
rabbits and it is not necessary,
therefore, to dwell upon the
benefits to be obtained from
rabbit control. These are all too
obvious.
(1) Survey the area to be treated thoroughly and locate all burrow
entrances, even those in undergrowth. This will be worthwhile,
although a little time-consuming, as any untreated or unblocked
holes will provide a safe escape route.
(2) Rabbits which are lying out should be driven to ground before
gassing commences.
(3) Wearing suitable protective gloves and using a Phostoxin Applicator,
place one Phostoxin tablet about twelve inches inside each open
burrow entrance, which must then be completely sealed with a thick
turf, grass-side down. Care should be taken not to allow soil to fall
on the tablet as this can reduce the rate at which the gas is
produced.
The Phostoxin tablets will react with moisture in the soil and in the
air to produce phosphine gas, which will diffuse through the burrow
system. Maximum gas concentration will be achieved about 8-10
hours after the tablets have been placed, depending upon
temperature and humidity.
(5) After 48 hours, re-inspect the site. Any hole which has been opened
must be treated again, following the same procedure.
SAFETY – Children, domestic and farm animals should be kept away
from the treated areas for at least two days to prevent any possibility of
the tablets being dug up whilst they are active.
A female rabbit born early in the
year will be capable of
producing litters herself in the
same year.
Phostoxin decomposes into a small pile of greyish powder, which has no
residual effect on the soil, nor will it in any way harm plant life in the
treated area.
An adult will rear 2-4 litters each
year, each litter consisting of 3-6
young.
After 3-4 weeks, the young,
which are born blind, deaf and
without fur, have been weaned
and are capable of finding their
own food.
The following procedure is recommended:
(4) It is important that a Phostoxin tablet is placed in every open
entrance to the burrow system.
Rabbits breed from January to
June although some breeding
will occur in other months.
The doe usually drops her litter
in a part of the general warren
system but sometimes she builds
a short, blind tunnel for her litter,
which she blocks with earth to
hide the young from predators.
This breeding tunnel will be
visited by the doe once a day to
suckle the young.
RAT CONTROL
USING PHOSTOXIN
PHOSTOXIN TABLETS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TREAT BURROWS
WHICH ARE WITHIN THREE METRES OF AN OCCUPIED BUILDING.
As a general rule, gassing
treatments against rabbits will be
carried out most effectively
during the months from October
to February. Numbers will then
be at their lowest and burrow
entrances will be easier to find
amongst the sparse vegetation.
Earlier treatments may be
required where autumn cereals
are being heavily grazed.
Phostoxin is approved for
use in controlling rats only
in outdoor burrows.
Control of
Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
While gassing is unlikely to provide
the complete solution to any rat
infestation, it can be a valuable
method of reducing the size of a rat
population quickly, following which
rodenticide baits can be used more
effectively to control the remaining
population.
Further Information
Rats that infest farm buildings,
poultry sheds and pig houses can
often be found living in nearby
burrows. Bankings, hedgerows and
overgrown vegetation all provide
ideal sites for rats to create burrows,
from which they can spread to the
surrounding buildings.
If you would like further information on any aspect of Phostoxin, we
will be glad to hear from you. Whether your enquiry is of a technical
nature or whether you would like to know where you can obtain the
product, we will be happy to assist. We are also able to provide a list
of names of individuals and organisations who provide training in the
use of Phostoxin.
The following procedure is recommended:
As in rabbit control, it is important that all the entrance holes to the rat
burrows be found before treatment begins. Dense vegetation should be
cut back to allow access to the holes.
(1) Wearing suitable protective gloves and using a Phostoxin Applicator,
place one Phostoxin tablet inside each open burrow entrance, which
must then be completely sealed. Depending upon the texture of the
soil, this may be done either by heeling in the entrance or plugging
it securely with a piece of turf, grass-side down. Take care not to
allow loose soil to fall on the Phostoxin tablet as this could reduce
the rate at which the gas is produced.
(2) The Phostoxin tablets will react with moisture in the soil and in the
air to produce phosphine gas, which will diffuse through the burrow
system. Maximum gas concentration will be achieved about 8-10
hours after the tablets have been placed, depending upon
temperature and humidity.
(3) After 48 hours, re-inspect the site. Any hole which has been opened
must be treated again, following the same procedure.
Phostoxin flask and tablets
Moles,
Rabbits
and Rats
Safety Data Sheets are available from stockists of Phostoxin or
from Rentokil Products. Always read the product label and Safety Data
Sheet before working with Phostoxin.
Phostoxin comes in handy-sized aluminium flasks containing 30
tablets. Phostoxin and Phostoxin Applicators are stocked by specialist
distributors nationwide.
- 2007
User guide
When purchasing Phostoxin, users will be required to make an entry
in the Poisons Register.
Phostoxin® is a registered trademark of Detia Degesch GmbH.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. USE PESTICIDES SAFELY.
2 City Place, Beehive Ring Road, Gatwick Airport RH6 0HA
Telephone: 01293 858000
Fax: 01293 858300
or email [email protected]
Available from:
SAFETY – Children, domestic and farm animals should be kept away
from the treated areas for at least two days to prevent any possibility of
the tablets being dug up whilst they are active.
ts
assing table
Phostoxin g
cator
li
p
p
oxin A
st
o
h
P
e
th
and
Phostoxin decomposes into a small pile of greyish powder, which has no
residual effect on the soil, nor will it in any way harm plant life in the
treated area.
PHOSTOXIN TABLETS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TREAT RUNS OR BURROWS
WHICH ARE WITHIN THREE METRES OF AN OCCUPIED BUILDING.
CLP20
PEST CONTROL
USING PHOSTOXIN
UNDERSTANDING
MOLES
the young are born in April/May.
Young moles spread during July and
August and may reinfest areas
previously treated; they do not
become sexually mature in their first
year. Moles may live for three years,
with some individuals living longer.
They are solitary animals and avoid
contact with others, except at
mating.
Phostoxin for the control of moles,
rabbits and rats in outdoor burrows
Phostoxin gassing tablets contain aluminium phosphide, which reacts
with normal atmospheric moisture to liberate phosphine (hydrogen
phosphide) gas. It is not necessary for the tablets to come into contact
with wet soil for the chemical reaction to occur; normal atmospheric
moisture alone is sufficient to activate the decomposition process, which
produces 1g of phosphine gas from each 3g tablet during complete
decomposition.
Health and Safety
Aluminium phosphide is a highly toxic substance and the phosphine gas
which it liberates is lethal to all animals at low concentrations in the air in
nests, warrens and burrows. Before working with Phostoxin, users must
be trained in the use of aluminium phosphide and must obey all the
appropriate safety requirements for working with the substance. Always
read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before working
with Phostoxin.
USING THE PHOSTOXIN APPLICATOR
Use of the Phostoxin Applicator for
placing Phostoxin tablets in the
ground will help to minimise the
operator’s risk of exposure to
phosphine gas.
It is a statutory requirement that
such an engineering control be
adopted or that suitable respiratory
protective equipment be worn when
working with Phostoxin tablets.
TO USE THE APPLICATOR REMOVE
THE END-CAP ON THE HANDLE OF
THE APPLICATOR. SLIDE NARROW
END OF ADAPTOR ONTO HANDLE
OF APPLICATOR UNTIL IT WILL GO
NO FURTHER. OPEN PHOSTOXIN
FLASK; OFFER UP TO THE APPLICATOR AND PUSH INTO THE ADAPTOR.
INVERT THE FLASK AND TRANSFER ALL THE PHOSTOXIN TABLETS FROM
THE FLASK INTO THE CHAMBER INSIDE THE HANDLE. SLIDE ADAPTOR
OFF APPLICATOR AND REPLACE END-CAP ONTO HANDLE. YOUR
APPLICATOR IS NOW READY FOR USE.
Please ensure you read the full flask and applicator product labels plus
safety data sheet prior to commencing treatment. To use the applicator
just press the black button on the applicator which will dispense one
tablet into the burrow. All the 30 tablets must be used at the
time of treatment and it is an offence not to do so.
Use of the Phostoxin Applicator enables the tablets to be placed well inside
the burrows.
MOLE CONTROL
USING PHOSTOXIN
Moles prefer to inhabit areas rich in
insects and worms. They reach their
highest densities in deciduous
woodland with a thick floor of
humus and in the absence of
interference.
The biology and
habits of moles
MOLES (Talpa europaea) belong
to the order of mammals known as
the Insectivora, which also includes
the shrews and hedgehogs. Moles
are adapted for burrowing
underground; the fore limbs are
shovel-shaped and very muscular;
the hind limbs remain unmodified
for running. Their eyes are reduced
in size and are used to distinguish
differences in light intensity.
The fur is silver-grey to black with a
distinctive sheen. Moles moult twice
(spring and autumn) and weigh up
to 140g (5ozs), reaching a length of
15cm (6in).
The mole’s nest is formed below
ground as an extension of one of the
tunnels, separate from the workings.
In low-lying ground, however, where
the water table is high, the mole is
forced to build its nest in the nearest
available high ground, usually in a
bank or under a tree. There is usually
a “bolt hole” leading to the nest,
normally 7 to 40cm (3 to 16in) below
soil level and this is permanent.
One litter is produced each year with
an average of four young. The
gestation period is four weeks and
Although the mole is classified as an
Insectivore, earthworms comprise 80
to 90% of its diet; one mole
consumes between 18kg to 36kg (40
to 80lbs) of food in a year. Their
sense of smell is thought to be poorly
developed and moles probably find
their food by an acute sense of touch
and vibration. Their burrowing
activity over large areas is closely
associated with their need to find an
amount of food equal to half their
body weight each day. The extensive
area of the tunnel system provides
easy access to a large number of
worms that enter the burrows. It is
thought that moles feed at about
four-hourly intervals, returning to
their nests to rest and sleep.
There are two types of tunnel
(see illustrations “A” and “B”).
“A”
Permanent
tunnels
used for travelling
to different parts
of the working
territory and usually
about 15 to 30cm (6 to 12in) below
the surface. Some of these tunnels
may be considerably deeper
depending on the water table and
the depth at which worms are
available.
“B” Feeding
tunnels
just below the
soil surface, which
may occasionally break through
the surface.
Mole hills are produced by the soil
of underground excavations. On
inspection, they appear quite
haphazard in distribution; this is
because mole hills remain as distinct
piles for many months. In spring,
however, hunting males may
produce a large number of hills in a
straight line, extending up to 100m
(90yd) in length.
Occasionally, one mound is
produced which is very much larger
than the others, 60 to 90cm (2 to 3
ft) high and containing a chamber;
this is referred to as the mole’s
‘fortress’. This is probably an
erroneous description, since it
appears to be used as a safe
harbourage in low-lying areas
subject to flooding.
There is constant antagonism
between moles for territory, and as
soon as a mole in a particular
territory is killed, its workings may
be taken over by moles from
adjacent areas. Reinfestation often
takes place from adjacent woodland
and banks. Because of this
antagonism, an average heavy
infestation consists of only eight to
ten moles per acre. Autumn
cultivation forces moles to leave
arable land for adjacent pasture
land. Considerable distances may be
covered by moles above ground;
they can swim well, and streams
present no barrier to movement.
It is important to locate the areas in which the moles are “live” before
treatment commences. A large number of mole hills gives the impression
of many moles working in an area but often there is only one. It is
important to recognise that the mole is a solitary animal and its workings
are usually distinct from those of neighbouring animals. Walk over the
area carefully and decide whether the mole hills form one or more
distinct groups of workings. This will tell you how many moles there are.
Remember that even heavy infestations contain only eight to ten moles
per acre and in most instances there are fewer.
The following procedure is recommended:
Within each group of workings (which may cover many square metres),
find those mole hills made within the last 24 hours. There will probably be
fewer than half-a-dozen. The biggest is not necessarily the most recent.
(2) Using a dibber, probe around the mole hill until the tunnel is
located; there will be no doubt about this since the dibber will
“give” suddenly as it enters the tunnel beneath. It should go in to a
depth of about 15 to 30cm (6 to 12in), unless the moles are
having to tunnel more deeply for food. When removing the dibber,
ensure that a clean hole is left, down which a tablet can be
dropped without disturbing the soil.
Use the following clues:
(a) On a newly formed mole hill, the loose, damp soil bridges the gaps
between blades of grass; on older hills the soil has trickled between
the blades.
(b) A newly formed mole hill tends to be “cupped” by the surrounding
grass, bending the grass blades outwards. In older mounds the
grass blades will have straightened up, (see illustration “C”).
Old mole hill
“C”
New mole hill
Prevention of damage to machinery
Moles bring up stones as well as sub-soil in their excavations and damage
to cutter bars of mowing machines and harvesters can occur.
(c) Look for germinating weed seeds; the presence of seedlings
indicates that the mole hill is at least three to four days old. Similarly,
any blades of grass or plant leaves which have pushed up through
the mound indicate that the hill is not recent.
Prevention of crop loss
Mole workings damage vegetable production; they cause stunting of
plants by disturbing the roots and may kill young plants by allowing the
soil to dry out.
(d) The soil of a recently formed mole hill is soft and fine in texture and
dries rapidly in the sun and wind to a powdery surface. The soil of
an older hill has had time to be flattened, compacted by rain, and is
far less susceptible to wind drying.
Improvement in the appearance of turf
Mole hills are unsightly and thus disfigure lawns, playing fields, golf
courses and pastures. Mole hills become invaded by grass, weeds and ants
and make subsequent cultivation difficult.
(e) The presence of cattle hoof marks on mole hills, when there are no
animals present, also indicates that the workings are not recent.
Protection of silage/meadow ground
Deterioration of silage can result from its being contaminated by soil from
mole workings.
Prevention of accidents to horses
Mole workings on rides and gallops pose a very real danger to horses in
training, introducing the risk of serious or even fatal injury, which would
also result in considerable financial loss. There is, of course, the additional
hazard to riders when horses fall.
(3) Wearing suitable protective gloves and using a Phostoxin
Applicator, apply one Phostoxin tablet into the hole.
(4) After applying the tablet, insert a plug of turf to act as a seal, taking
care to ensure that as little earth as possible falls on to the tablet.
In dry weather conditions, moles may tunnel deeper in order to find
moisture. It is important to realise this when probing for the runs, as
those nearer the surface may not be in use; if tablets are inserted into
them, the treatment may be ineffective.
The benefits to be obtained from mole control
Prevention of loss of soil fertility
Moles bring up sub-soil, which, when spread on the surface, prevents
grass from growing. An untreated infestation leads to a rapid
deterioration of pasture.
(1) Dig out the earth in a mole hill until the tunnel is visible and, by
means of the Phostoxin Applicator, insert one tablet. The hole made
by digging should be sealed off using a turf plug. Care must be
taken not to create too much disturbance when digging and not to
allow loose soil to fall on to the tablet so as to detract from its
gassing properties. The tablet should always be placed as far as
possible into the tunnel.
(f) If there is any doubt about the age of a mole hill, remove some of
the soil; if there is yellowed grass beneath, the mole hill is more than
three days old.
SAFETY – Children, domestic and farm animals should be kept away
from the treated areas for at least two days to prevent any possibility
of the tablets being dug up whilst they are active.
Phostoxin decomposes into a small pile of greyish powder, which has
no residual effect on the soil, nor will it an any way harm plant life in
the treated area.
PHOSTOXIN TABLETS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TREAT RUNS
OR BURROWS WHICH ARE WITHIN THREE METRES OF AN
OCCUPIED BUILDING.
Do not attempt to gas the shallow feeding tunnels, since
these are rapidly abandoned and are not in permanent use.
Phostoxin tablets should never be placed or allowed to remain
on the ground surface.
When employing either method and for best results, large areas should
be treated in one operation. It is suggested that all points of application
should be marked and checked on subsequent days in order to identify
clearly any new runs which will be requiring treatment. It is quite
possible that although the moles in the treated area will be dead, others
from further away will commence tunnelling after the gas has ceased to
be effective. Moles can move a distance of at least 200 metres across
streams and under roadways. Vacant workings can be taken over by
other moles and the rate of reinfestation varies with the number of
moles in adjacent populations.
It is essential to walk the perimeter of the treated area looking for fresh
workings, since this provides the earliest evidence of reinfestation. These
may consist of only one or two small hills. Nevertheless, they should be
treated. If fresh workings are found within the previously treated area,
then Phostoxin tablets should also be applied as already described.
As activity by moles often overlaps boundaries, it is a good plan to seek
the co-operation of neighbours before commencing treatment. As
mentioned previously, as large an area as possible should be treated in
one operation for successful eradication of moles, remembering that
tunnel systems may well extend some distance into neighbouring land.