As Canadian farmers adapt to new pest control regulations, the end of liquid strychnine use has prompted the need for innovative, effective, and efficient gopher control strategies. Viceroy Distributors is at the forefront of this shift, offering cutting-edge solutions designed to address the unique challenges of Richardson’s ground squirrel management while reducing costs and labor for farmers.
Why Gopher Control Matters
Gophers, or Richardson’s ground squirrels, are a persistent challenge for Canadian farmers, damaging crops, pastures, and infrastructure. Effective control is critical not only to protect yields but also to maintain operational efficiency. With the discontinuation of liquid strychnine, farmers require alternative methods that are both cost-effective and practical for large-scale use.
Advantages of Zinc Phosphide-Based Products
Zinc phosphide baits, such as Burrow Oat Bait and ZP Rodent Oat Bait AG, have emerged as leading alternatives. These products offer several advantages over traditional methods:
- Cost-Effectiveness
Zinc phosphide products are more economical, as they require only a single application directly into the burrow. This reduces material use and overall expenses compared to anticoagulant baits that need repeated applications. - Labor Efficiency
With a single application, farmers save significant time and labor. This is particularly beneficial for large farms, where manual labor costs for pest control can be substantial. - Reduced Risk of Non-Target Poisoning
Zinc phosphide works by converting to phosphine gas in the stomach of the targeted rodent, causing rapid organ failure. The gas dissipates quickly, leaving minimal residue and reducing the risk of secondary poisoning for non-target species.
Best Practices for Application
For optimal results, farmers should apply zinc phosphide baits between mid-March and late April. Targeting reproductive females during this window ensures a significant reduction in the next generation of gophers. Later applications may be less effective as females retreat underground after the breeding season.
Long-Term Benefits for Farmers
Viceroy Distributors understands the challenges farmers face with labor-intensive methods like shooting or trapping. By providing efficient, science-backed products, Viceroy helps farmers:
- Protect crops and pastures with minimal effort.
- Reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional methods.
- Achieve better control over gopher populations with less time and resource investment.
Viceroy Distributors: Your Partner in Farm Pest Management
As the agricultural industry transitions to new gopher control strategies, Viceroy Distributors remains committed to supporting Canadian farmers with effective, affordable, and labor-saving solutions. Our team is here to provide expert guidance and reliable products tailored to your needs.
Contact Us:
- Address: 201-1200 Sherwin Road, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0K4
- Hours: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (204) 925-7939
- Email: viceroy@viceroydistributors.ca
- Website: CleanHomeSupplies.ca
For more information about our gopher control solutions, visit Viceroy Distributors.
Stay tuned for more articles on pest control and biosecurity strategies that benefit Canadian farmers.
