Non-Toxic Rodent Control That Protects People, Product and Wildlife

The Story

A wholesale and retail butchery and event catering business based in rural Northamptonshire needed a pest control partner who could keep the production and storage premises free of pest activity whilst also respecting local wildlife. The premises, a barn conversion, is located on a farm among fields and hedgerows, so some seasonal external rodent pressure is expected. The brief was simple: keep the inside clear and compliant and do it in a way that avoids risk to field mice, birds of prey and other non-target species.

In April 2022, the business moved to a proactive contract with iX5 Pest Control focused on non-toxic monitoring and control.

The Challenge

Rural settings create perfect conditions for rodents: harbourage, natural food sources and easy exterior travel routes. Barn conversions also feature complex building lines and voids where rodents could enter if proofing or housekeeping lapses. For a food business, the standard is clear, as there cannot be any internal pest activity. Any solution had to be non-toxic by design, safeguard non-target species, and still deliver audit-ready assurance.

What We Did

1) Non-toxic strategy from day one

• Installed a mapped network of traps and monitors inside and around the perimeter, with no rodenticide used.
• Chose placements that intercept likely movement lines while keeping the business sfae and pest-free.  

2) Rural aware prevention

• Reviewed waste management, goods-in and night-time security routines; recommended proofing and other site improvements (vegetation management, safe storage, and door discipline).
• Incorporated enhanced seasonal checks to anticipate harvest-time / autumnal surges.

3) Evidence-led monitoring & reporting

• Every 4 weeks, we undertake site checks, record trends report on observations and actions required.
• We maintain service documentation suitable for food safety audits and EHO expectations.

Outcome: As anticipated, external activity appears seasonally, but the interior has remained protected, with no internal activity since the contract began.

Results at a Glance

• Non-toxic monitoring and control: Traps/monitors, no rodenticide on site
• No internal activity maintained since April 2022
• Prearranged Monthly Visits: with seasonal adjustments if trends require this
• Wildlife-safe approach suited to a rural location
• Audit-ready reports aligned to food business needs

Why This Worked

Success rests on a prevention-first, non-toxic plan that fits the setting. By monitoring and trend analysis, through a strategic network of monitoring points, we identify areas of activity and ensure this does not migrate into food production or storage areas.

Location based risk factors are considered and implemented at contract set-up. Because the strategy is completely non-toxic, it protects local wildlife while still giving the business the clear, audit-friendly assurance it needs day to day.

Could your food business benefit from the same approach?

For rural food premises, proactive prevention beats reactive responses every time. . Need help? Call 01604 328545, email [email protected] or use our simple contact form below.