Grain Guide 2018

Wrong gerbil poison has far-reaching effects Gerbils are one of the grain producer’s biggest enemies, but they can be managed effectively with the right methods without harming the environment. However, there are many ways in which legal rodenticides are abused and illegal pesticides harm the environment and its numerous gerbil predators. Producers should take note of the following:  The scattering of zinc phosphide bait on the soil surface is ineffective and creates the risk of birds and other mammals picking up the bait and being poisoned.  The scattering of wax-block bait or paste bait on the soil surface is also ineffective, as the sun can destroy it.  It is illegal to mix bait yourself with carbofuran and grain, and it is also extremely dangerous.  It is illegal to use rodenticides that are not registered for gerbils.  It is illegal to treat seed with carbofuran and it is also ineffective for controlling gerbils.  It is illegal to treat seed with zinc phosphide and creates the risk that the seed will not germinate. Dr Gerhard H Verdoorn, CropLife South Africa Report queleas this way The Agricultural Pests Act (Act No. 36 of 1983) declare queleas and locusts to be pests. The DAFF is responsible for controlling them. Procedures to be followed by the complainant to report queleas Before an official of the department can do a physical inspection, the following procedures/ steps must be followed by the complainant: The complainant may then contact one of the resource conservation inspectors (see contact numbers below) with the information and report the queleas. An appointment will be made to inspect the sleeping or breeding area in the company of the complainant.  The correct sleeping or breeding area of the flock of queleas causing the damage must be correctly identified. The area can only be identified early in the evening, as the queleas will not be at their respective nests during the day. Breeding flocks will have nests and they can be used during the day to identify the breeding area.   If the area identified is not the property of the complainant, the complainant must obtain permission for access and possible control actions from the landowner concerned. Rather do the following:  Use only rodenticides registered for gerbils.  Always place bait directly in the burrows and then seal the burrows, or place bait in plastic pipes close to the nests.  Use natural rodent control by encouraging owls and raptors with suitable poles and hatching boxes. 1 2 88 Contact the Griffon Poison Information Centre for the complete gerbil manage­ ment plan at 082 446 8946 or nesher@tiscali.co.za . 85 Pest control