Firm finds answer to rodent woes

To prevent losses in agriculture and industrial businesses, world agri-business leader Syngenta unveiled the newest addition to its portfolio called Klerat, a UK-manufactured rodenticide that is specially designed for tropical countries like the Philippines.

"This new rodenticide is our answer to the growing number of harmful rodents in the Philippines, particularly in business establishments and agricultural farms. This product is especially designed for safe and easy use," said Hector Lojo, Syngenta Philippines vice president for corporate sales and professional products, at the formal launch at the Manila Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City recently.

Klerat, according to Lojo, is in solid wax block form that thrives in damp places, making it non-susceptible to moisture and instead increasing the probability of hitting its target – to kill rats," he said.

With the new rodenticide, Lojo said, "Consumers will definitely have a better alternative in suppressing the multiplication of rodents and their harmful effects as this will also add value to the pest control industry in the Philippines."

"To prevent misuse and misapplication, Syngenta will first make this product available to pest control operators who will be taught on how to best utilize the product to maximize its effectiveness while ensuring safety," he said.

Dr. Allan Buckle, a Syngenta consultant from the United Kingdom who has more than 20 years experience in public health and pest control programs, substantiated the presentations with his impressive knowledge of crop protection and rodent management.

He said Klerat, a rodenticide which has been developed and backed up by comprehensive research, is made of wax blocks resistant to moisture and extreme temperature, killing rats without endangering non-targets like humans.

Buckle provided a comprehensive presentation on how rats behave and where they dwell to better familiarize food company participants on the useful techniques in preventing and maintaining a rodent-free clean food production area.

Klerat comes with a Multiplex Bait Station, an all-purpose insect and rodent control station, which is tamper-resistant and keeps bait from non-targets.

Syngenta recommends the use of this bait station to prevent house pets from the danger of consuming the rat killer and to keep the rodenticide away from the production area that might cause food contamination.

Murray Hern, Syngenta’s business manager for the Asia-Pacific region, said the introduction of this state-of-the-art bait station will guarantee outstanding performance and ensure maximum safety.