PESTS IN GRAIN STORES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21813, 19 June 1936, Page 4

PESTS IN GRAIN STORES

RECENT INVESTIGATION

SUITABLE POISON FOR RATS AND MICE Insect and animal pests in produce stores and warehouses have been the subject of an investigation by the Wheat Research Institute. One tangible result is, according to a report to the institute yesterday, that a large quantity* of a special poison for rats and mice—a poison harmless to cats—has been ordered by a Christchurch firm and will shortly be on the market An officer of the institute, stated the report, had continued his visits to grain stores with insect pests. He found the great majority of stores were able satisfactorily to control all pests but some of the older buildings were so constructed - as to make complete control impossible. The custom of keeping cleanings of seeds for long periods on the chance of their being reclaimed by the farmer, provided favourable breeding ground for mites and similar pests, and a recommendation would be made to the association of seed cleaning firms to consider a modification of their procedure m this respect. ... Two stores handling vegetable products other than wheat communicated with the investigating officer as they were in great trouble with insect pests, and he was able to put them both in a position to overcome the trouble. Reliance on Cats Most grain storemen were found to be more concerned with the depredations of rats and mice than with those of insects. All placed great reliance upon cats as a means of control, and disliked poisons because the cats as well as the rats were likely to suffer. The officer was fortunate in having recent references to the use of Red Squill as a poison for rats and mice—while it is harmless to cats. It is strongly recommended by the British Ministry of Agriculture and by that of the United States. One trial of it in New Zealand secured a compete clearance of rats from a mill that was both badly infested, and in a favourable position for reinfestation; and another trial in a store less badly infested was similarly successful. A large

quantity of the drug has been ordered by a .Christchurch firm and it will shortly be on the market.