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Control vertebrate pest populations using chemical methods

URN: LANCS84
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding,Game and Wildlife Management
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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This standard is about controlling vertebrate pest populations using chemical methods. It relates to the work activities that you undertake to control vertebrate pests using chemical methods.

To meet this standard you will be able to:
• identify the presence of vertebrate pests
• legally apply and monitor chemical control measures.
 
When using chemicals you must be fully trained in their use and hold the relevant certificates, where required by legislation.

This standard is for those who use chemicals to control vertebrate pests.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. carry out the activity safely in line with the relevant health and safety requirements
  2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment 
  3. use the relevant methods to monitor signs to determine vertebrate pest population activity
  4. modify monitoring activities to take account of seasonal variations, prevailing weather conditions and habitat
  5. recognise vertebrate pest species and interpret signs to estimate population levels
  6. identify the presence of non-target species
  7. determine where chemical control would be the best course of action to take to deal with vertebrate pest populations, in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  8. check whether a species-specific licence is required and confirm that it is in place
  9. select a chemical control method appropriate to the vertebrate pests, the characteristics of the site, its location and the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice 
  10. develop a regime to control the application of the chemical control
  11. set up and maintain the necessary equipment to effectively control the application of chemicals according to manufacturers' recommendations
  12. handle, use and store chemicals safely according to the manufacturers' recommendations and the relevant legal requirements
  13. implement the chemical control method in a manner that minimises the risk to non-target species and the environment
  14. monitor the effectiveness of the chemical control method
  15. dispose of mortalities and spent materials correctly, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and codes of practice
  16. maintain pest control records in accordance with the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the health and safety risks associated with the control of vertebrate pests by chemical methods, including the dangers of lone working
  2. the clothing and personal protective equipment that should be worn 
  3. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and conservation legislation in relation to controlling vertebrate pests using chemical methods
  4. the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice controlling the purchase, storage and use of vertebrate pest control chemicals, including the requirements for training and certification 
  5. how the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Act controls the use of chemicals
  6. the methods of monitoring the presence of vertebrate pests, including the use of technology
  7. the effects of the seasons and weather conditions on monitoring pest populations and how monitoring is adapted to take account of the season
  8. the common vertebrate pest species and how to recognise and interpret signs to estimate population levels
  9. the characteristics of different vertebrate pest species and their potential impact on the site activities
  10. the effects of vertebrate pests on animal/plant populations
  11. the behavioural characteristics of vertebrate pests that will have an influence on the chemical control method selected
  12. the pest species covered by nation specific requirements for general licences, when a species-specific licence is required and how to apply for it
  13. how to select a chemical control method appropriate for the vertebrate pest population, the characteristics of the site, its location and the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  14. how to adapt chemical pest control methods to take account of changes in the weather
  15. how to identify non-target species and why it is important to control the application of chemicals for non-target species
  16. the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice controlling the disposal of pest corpses and spent materials
  17. the requirements for maintaining accurate up-to-date pest control records
  18. how to monitor the effectiveness of the chemical control methods and the action to take

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Vertebrate pests – for example: rabbits, moles, mice, rats

Chemical methods – legal poisons

Signs of vertebrate pest activity – for example:
• direct sightings
• runs
• footprints
• damage to habitat
• dead animals
• kills
• sounds
• smells
• droppings

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANCS84

Relevant Occupations

Estate Worker, Gamekeeper, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

pest; predator; vertebrate; chemical; poison