CROPPING

Growers advised not to mix urea and mouse bait in single applications

Experts advise attempts to reduce application costs could backfire.

Ben White

This article is 3 years old. Images might not display.

After fielding enquiries from Kondinin Group members, Research Manager Ben White spoke to CSIRO mouse expert, Steve Henry, to seek advice around combining and spreading mouse bait with urea.

Growers looking to save around $10/ha for an aerial application to spread baits and mix with urea have been advised that the saving will be short-lived with a likely reduction in the effectiveness of the bait application.

According to Henry, there are a couple of potential problems with mixing the two products which need to be applied in a timely manner to ensure maximum efficacy.

"The first problem is that mice might eat a bit of urea, get a bit of a gut-ache and become shy to any future bait applications," Henry warned.

Henry also pointed out that mouse bait, typically consisting of sterilised grain coated with zinc-phosphide, runs the risk of having the coating removed if mixed through urea.

Removing the zinc-phosphide coating also reduces the efficacy of the bait.

"An application of mouse bait should be done prior to spreading urea," advised Henry,  who suggested at least a few days should be allowed between applications to let the bait to do its job before urea is spread.

"If growers can leave urea spreading for three days after spreading bait, that should give most of the mice a chance to find a lethal dose," he said.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has a range of information resources for growers looking to bait mice which can be found here

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.