المملكة: Banning “bulk” and requiring “stations”… new controls for “rodent baits” to protect the family

I introduced The Saudi Food and Drug Authority A draft of the Saudi technical regulations for pesticides used as baits for household rodents, through the “Estalaa” platform to take public opinions.

This move aims to accurately regulate the circulation and use of these materials, in a way that ensures the safety of the environment, protects human health, and increases the effectiveness of control operations.

The proposed regulation specifies a set of Strict requirements and controls to ensure the safe use of rodent baits, and to reduce the chances of contamination or accidental exposure to humans and pets.

Active ingredients

The regulation classified the active ingredients into these Pesticidesare divided into three main categories; The first includes “first generation” anticoagulants, such as warfarin, which work gradually.

The second category includes “second generation” anticoagulants, such as brodifacoum, which are more effective and effective substances even in very small doses.

While the third category is designated for “non-anticoagulant” types, such as zinc phosphide, which affect the nervous system. It is used to confront cases of resistance.

To enhance safety, the regulations focused on the use of ready-made and closed “bait stations”.

It explained that they are divided into two types: “non-refillable” and used once, and “refillable” which is designed to prevent children and pets from accessing the toxic bait. Only rodents are allowed to enter.

Handle with caution

The regulations separate the safety levels of these stations into four types: “Type One” is classified as the highest security, as it resists tampering by children, pets, and weather factors, allowing it to be used inside and outside buildings.

While other types are limited to indoor use with varying degrees of resistance to tampering, all the way to “Type Four,” which is only used in very protected places that children or animals never reach.

She stressed. General requirements include the necessity of determining the type of rodent before starting control, reading the label carefully, and storing pesticides safely.

The regulations prohibited the use of loose baits or powders unless they are in closed bags, and also prohibited their use in sewers or open areas to avoid environmental pollution and poisoning of non-target organisms.

The regulations also included Awareness guidelines to help individuals spot signs of rodent presence early, most notably noticing pointy-shaped droppings in hidden places, or spotting the gnawing marks that rodents use to maintain the length of their teeth.

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