Organic farmers now have a newly formulated bait to fight rodent infestations using the unique active ingredient, cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D₃. After years of extensive research, Motomco scientists have developed Agrid₃ for controlling rats and mice in the rapidly growing organic production. Agrid₃ kills anticoagulant-resistant rats and mice, yet substantially reduces the risk of secondary poisoning. It also poses low toxicity to birds.

Agrid₃ is the first and only rodenticide registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in organic production, which includes food processing, warehousing and storage, and animal production. It is also labeled for use in and around agricultural buildings, such as swine, poultry, cattle and dairy facilities.

“This unique bait gives organic producers access to a top quality rodenticide for their facilities where previously no baiting options were available,” said Kent Gutzmer, Motomco’s Director of Sales. “Agrid₃ also has a recognized stop-feed action, reducing the need for extensive and continued bait use. Rodents typically stop feeding after a day or two, which ultimately results in lower total bait consumption with greater cost savings.”

Besides the low hazard benefits of cholecalciferol, Agrid₃ incorporates the most recent advances in Motomco’s bait formulation. Agrid₃ comes in two formulations: Bait Chunx and pellets. The Bait Chunx are dense, tightly compacted 1-oz. extruded blocks with superb durability. The highly weatherable Chunx is manufactured with an advanced preservation system, making the bait mold and moisture resistant. Its high melting point keeps the bait stable in temperatures as high as 200°F. With Chunx, bait translocation is also reduced.

Agrid₃ Pelleted Bait is a highly palatable, extremely durable pelleted formulation which is particularly effective for baiting burrows in and around agricultural facilities. Both formulations contain active and inert ingredients that meet the organic materials requirements for Organic Materials Research Institute (OMRI) listing.

Lawn damage caused by moles plagues homeowners and lawn care specialists alike. Seldom seen as they tirelessly tunnel underground, moles leave their telltale marks aboveground as unsightly mounds of soil, “mole hills,” or grassless brown streaks.

To address this problem, Motomco introduces its new Motomco MOLE TRAP, a heavy-duty, dual-spring trap that offers users speed and safety in controlling mole problems. This specially designed “hands-free” mole trap is fast and easy to place and set. Once an active mole tunnel is identified, users simply place the trap jaws in the tunnel and step on the trap’s yellow foot pedal which sets the trigger below the surface.

Once set, the low-profile mole trap sits close to the ground – no bulky metal or equipment sticking out of the ground. The trap’s dual springs ensure maximum catching power. When a mole encounters the underground trigger, the yellow pedal springs up, making notification of capture easy and safe. Captured moles are released by removing the trap from the ground and compressing the pedal by hand.

Using the specially designed safety release button, Motomco MOLE TRAP can be easily and safely disengaged and relocated to other mole tunnels, depending on mole pressure. The trap can be used over and over again. Made of glass-filled nylon, it will not rust and can be used in all types of soil.

Motomco MOLE TRAP is available at select farm stores throughout the U.S.