Gopher Control in the Post-Strychnine Era: Effective Solutions for Canadian Farmers

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.