200 milestone passed by CRRU membership club

Pest controller membership of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) Supporters Club has reached 200 and continues to grow, according to chairman Dr Alan Buckle.

The 200th applicant is Steve Smith from Southampton-based Cedar Pest, whose work is approximately 50/50 urban and rural.

He says that membership will symbolise his firm’s commitment to advising and educating clients about the importance of safe rodenticide use so that non-target species are not endangered. The rules apply equally to urban and rural situations, in both of which Cedar Pest applies a holistic combination of prevention and treatment in tackling rodent infestations.

"In addition to holding membership of a pest control association, adopting this campaign drives forward a very specific message in the form of the CRRU code of practice," says Mr Smith. "If everyone involved in pest control, including DIY application, were to follow the code, it would be a big step forward in safe rodent control."

To mark the 200-member milestone, Steve Smith has been awarded a complimentary CRRU Wildlife Aware training and accreditation course. Having spent a number of years working in agriculture before becoming fully trained in pest control, he finds the resulting industry knowledge and empathy can be advantageous in dealing with farmer and estate manager clients.

"It has become commonplace for farm workforces to be fully committed, so finding time for rodent control training and then doing the work is difficult for many," he explains.

"To do nothing is not an option, so farmers and estate managers need a contractor who can carry out the work effectively, with minimal supervision, and keep accurate and appropriate records for farm assurance schemes," he adds. "Being a member of the CRRU Supporters Club demonstrates a commitment to professional and responsible practice."