FARMERS in Craven are facing a race against time to comply with strict new rules on specialist pesticides.

The use of poisons to control rats and mice will become subject to fresh legislation next year.

Anyone who uses the lethal products will need to have relevant credentials in place - or they could face prosecution.

Simon Forrester, chief executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), believes the move will have a big impact on farmers, whether they carry out their own pest control or use professional contractors.

And he’s warning that the clock is already ticking ahead of the June 1 deadline.

He said: “Laws governing the use of certain pesticides are changing and farmers who use them need to be well aware.

“Tighter controls come into force next summer and those who intend to keep pest control in-house must take action.

“They will need qualifications to show they can use these products responsibly or be on an approved assurance scheme.

“The new legislation will affect a lot of people and they’ll need to get their house in order in plenty of time. The deadline is set in stone and those who leave it too late could create serious problems for themselves.”

For more details, visit bpca.org.uk