Burrow blasters,and jumping on the mole catching bandwagon

[earth-thrower 493]

When the use of strychnine hydrochloride for mole control in the uk finally came under review,i knew this was the first real chance in years to be rid of it.Myself along with a FEW others campaigned hard to try and ensure this outcome.Who then, would have realised that the use of monstrous explosive devices in the form of burrow blasters, would be permitted here in the uk for destroying mole tunnel systems, unbelievable!Im also a bit taken aback at the current LEVEL of interest in traditional mole trapping,what with every tom,dick and harry wanting to become a molecatcher!A certain organisation seems to be determined to churn out as many as possible(and feathering their own nest,very nicely thanks!in the process)As a result of all this i cant help thinking, that serious consideration needs to be given,as to whether mole catching is going to be sustainable for ALL of us in the long run.But then again,who knows maybe im wrong.Anyone else with any thoughts on these issues ? thanks.

[R. Docks 154]

Yep, a good start would be members of this forum stopping posting about prices!

 

And just for information, the use of Strychnine wasn't 'reviewed'; the importer decided that it wasn't worth spending the E250,000 on a data package for a product that had no patent through the Biocides Directive.

 

We lost Strychnine because of Europe, NOT because it was cruel or any other reason.

Edited April 6, 2011 by R. Docks

[Foxy09 3]

When the use of strychnine hydrochloride for mole control in the uk finally came under review,i knew this was the first real chance in years to be rid of it.Myself along with a FEW others campaigned hard to try and ensure this outcome.Who then, would have realised that the use of monstrous explosive devices in the form of burrow blasters, would be permitted here in the uk for destroying mole tunnel systems, unbelievable!Im also a bit taken aback at the current LEVEL of interest in traditional mole trapping,what with every tom,dick and harry wanting to become a molecatcher!A certain organisation seems to be determined to churn out as many as possible(and feathering their own nest,very nicely thanks!in the process)As a result of all this i cant help thinking, that serious consideration needs to be given,as to whether mole catching is going to be sustainable for ALL of us in the long run.But then again,who knows maybe im wrong.Anyone else with any thoughts on these issues ? thanks.

 

Completely agree about the burrow blasting instruments, the only saving grace being that i think it is only a matter of time before they are miss-used to the point of them being banned.

As far as every tom dick and harry wanting to become a Mole catcher i can see your point and have definitely noticed an increase in interest myself. In a way the strychnine ban i feel may have been a nail in the coffin as it suddenly made Mole catching much more sought after and then in turn lucrative to the traditional and regular mole catcher and unfortunately this day in age when anything under the sun suddenly becomes worth more than it was the amount of so called experts in the field will rise with the popularity which will only drive the value of the service down as well as the standard of it. Results however will always speak for themselvs and i doubt that a skilled mole catcher will ever go short of work.

[earth-thrower 493]

Yes R.Docks , Im aware of that and your absolutely right.( didnt think most members on here would be that interested in the detail,just kept it simple,although you probably put it better than i could !)and you also make several interesting points Foxy09. cheers.

[ratattack 111]

Burrow blasters may only legally be used in UNOCCUPIED tunnel systems after a clearance treatment has been completed. However whats to say thers no other animals using the tunnels like weasels, mice, voles etc. They are a horrendous invention that should never have been allowed for use in th UK.

[logun 91]

[quote

[moxy 617]

Burrow blasters may only legally be used in UNOCCUPIED tunnel systems after a clearance treatment has been completed. However whats to say thers no other animals using the tunnels like weasels, mice, voles etc. They are a horrendous invention that should never have been allowed for use in th UK.

 

Yes and the use of alley phos gas is a much better way to die??

 

No dig intended, but defra and natural england reccomend the use of gas to vacate occupied runs before blasting.

And we all know how successfull that method is!!

 

I have one of these devices and yes i use it, For the removal of tunnel systems.

I trap more than my fair share of moles, using traditioanl teqhniques and have done for a good number of years. Molecatching makes up probably % of my work.

The tunnel blaster adds to the service i offer, some want it some dont but by the time it comes into use i will have already made my wage trapping out first.

Yes i agree it can be open to abuse but its here and like it or not these devices will continue to be uesd.

 

It will be a long time before i see a return in the cash outlayed for this device, to be honest i may never.

 

It will certainly not replace molecatching and any fly by nights which pop up hoping to make a living using one of these devices wont last long.The proof is always in the pudding.

[Foxy09 3]

Burrow blasters may only legally be used in UNOCCUPIED tunnel systems after a clearance treatment has been completed. However whats to say thers no other animals using the tunnels like weasels, mice, voles etc. They are a horrendous invention that should never have been allowed for use in th UK.

 

Yes and the use of alley phos gas is a much better way to die??

 

No dig intended, but defra and natural england reccomend the use of gas to vacate occupied runs before blasting.

And we all know how successfull that method is!!

 

I have one of these devices and yes i use it, For the removal of tunnel systems.

I trap more than my fair share of moles, using traditioanl teqhniques and have done for a good number of years. Molecatching makes up probably % of my work.

The tunnel blaster adds to the service i offer, some want it some dont but by the time it comes into use i will have already made my wage trapping out first.

Yes i agree it can be open to abuse but its here and like it or not these devices will continue to be uesd.

 

It will be a long time before i see a return in the cash outlayed for this device, to be honest i may never.

 

It will certainly not replace molecatching and any fly by nights which pop up hoping to make a living using one of these devices wont last long.The proof is always in the pudding.

 

What advantages do you find collapsing the tunnels brings to a job? Compared to the clients who don't want it obviously.

[logun 91]

[moxy 617]

They do have there advantages but thats a horse im not backing on here with all the prejudice. Each to their own.

As to the clients who dont want it, they dont get it. It is not a service that gets thrust upon somebody.

 

Logun, if you were using the device within accordance of the guidelines and had gassed/trapped and kept records whats the issue?

(other than the inconvenience).

[logun 91]

They do have there advantages but thats a horse im not backing on here with all the prejudice. Each to their own.

As to the clients who dont want it, they dont get it. It is not a service that gets thrust upon somebody.

 

Logun, if you were using the device within accordance of the guidelines and had gassed/trapped and kept records whats the issue?

(other than the inconvenience).

mox

[Rolfe 2]

You may find the following of interest................!

 

 

Joint BPCA and NPTA Statement on ‘Burrow-Collapsing’ Devices

 

There are devices now available for causing explosions in underground burrow systems. These are marketed in some countries as a method of pest control for moles, rats, rabbits and other burrowing species.

 

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) wish to point out that the use of any explosive (other than ammunition) for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal is prohibited under section 11(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

 

The Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has made a recent statement on these devices, where it clearly states that “Rodenator type devices must not be used for killing wild animals in this countryâ€.

 

Accordingly, in the UK, such devices are often marketed for the destruction of burrows, which technically would be a legal activity.

 

Representatives of the pest control industry and animal welfare organisations have expressed concerns to Natural England following reports of apparent illegal use, and a case involving the deaths of wild rabbits was recently documented in the veterinary journal, Veterinary Record. Cases have also been drawn to the attention of the police.

 

The maximum penalty for using an explosive, other than ammunition for a firearm, to kill wild animals is £5,000 and six months in prison. There is a similar penalty for asphyxiating any wild animal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering, which is a potential consequence of incomplete destruction of an occupied burrow system.

 

Given the practical difficulties in ensuring that all the burrows concerned were free of any animals, the BPCA and the NPTA strongly advise their Members not to purchase or use such devices.

 

 

March 2008

[akton 15]

I will stick to my traps, at least they are cost effective, plus your customer can see the results for themselves.

[logun 91]

for

[ratattack 111]

Burrow blasters may only legally be used in UNOCCUPIED tunnel systems after a clearance treatment has been completed. However whats to say thers no other animals using the tunnels like weasels, mice, voles etc. They are a horrendous invention that should never have been allowed for use in th UK.

 

Yes and the use of alley phos gas is a much better way to die??

 

No dig intended, but defra and natural england reccomend the use of gas to vacate occupied runs before blasting.

And we all know how successfull that method is!!

 

I have one of these devices and yes i use it, For the removal of tunnel systems.

I trap more than my fair share of moles, using traditioanl teqhniques and have done for a good number of years. Molecatching makes up probably % of my work.

The tunnel blaster adds to the service i offer, some want it some dont but by the time it comes into use i will have already made my wage trapping out first.

Yes i agree it can be open to abuse but its here and like it or not these devices will continue to be uesd.

 

It will be a long time before i see a return in the cash outlayed for this device, to be honest i may never.

 

It will certainly not replace molecatching and any fly by nights which pop up hoping to make a living using one of these devices wont last long.The proof is always in the pudding.

 

 

At no point did i say ali phos a good way to control moles. I NEVER use it as it does not work that well, i use traps and get the body in the trap which is handy to prove it's dead!

 

I can't see the point in collapsing mole runs, the gophor tunnels they are designed for maybe but not moles.