Producers in selected areas of Saskatchewan are now able to use liquid strychnine to control gophers.
As expected, the province was granted emergency registration of the poison last week. The poison is available as long as supplies last, but no later than Aug. 31.
Bait mixing has already taken place in North Battleford, Lloydminster and Swift Current, and will occur in Mankota and Weyburn this week and next.
The poison is available on a first-come, first-served basis and farmers must book ahead with their local pest control officer.
Farmers must bring 15 kilograms of their own cleaned wheat or hulled oats to the mixing station, where it will be mixed by pest control officers to a 0.4 percent active level.
Farmers pay $10 a bottle, which is the province’s actual cost.
The bait must be placed in gopher burrows and covered. Above-ground baiting is not permitted. Carcasses must be buried at least 45 centimetres deep.
