Back to: Top / Contents

Introduction

This page outlines possible solutions to some of the problems occasionally caused by badgers. The information given is only a brief guide; it is not my intention to try to provide all the information that people will need to deal with every badger problem. I am aiming instead to provide enough information for people to know that there are solutions, and what their options are in broad terms, should they experience problems caused by badgers. This is because every problem is different and needs to be considered as an individual case. It is therefore important to seek advice should you experience any problems with badgers.

In Britain, local Badger Groups may be able to provide such advice (contact details available from the website of the Badger Trust). In England, DEFRA's National Wildlife Management Team (part of the Department's Rural Development Service) is another good source of information - check out their badger web page (opens in a new browser window).

Back to: Top / Contents

Chemical deterrents

In Britain, the use of 'deterrent' substances is governed by the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986. Only approved deterrents can be used, and they can only be used in accordance with the terms of the approval granted. Recent reviews by the Pesticides Safety Directorate have resulted in the suspension of approvals for a number of pesticides and deterrent substances. In particular Renardine, a strong-smelling bone oil formulation, may no longer be sold, stored or used in Britain. This product was widely used to deter badgers, with varying degrees of success.

Deterrents with a nasty taste, approved for use against mammals in general, can be used to try to stop badgers from eating bulbs, vegetables etc. Various products containing aluminium ammonium sulphate currently have approval for use in this way. Some of these products are approved for garden use and can usually be obtained from garden centres. Others are approved for agricultural use and can be obtained from the appropriate agricultural merchants.

Some of the products approved for garden use can be mixed with water and sprayed onto lawns, or the raw powder can be used for dipping daffodil and other bulbs in, or for raking into the soil around carrots or other root crops (the crops will need thorough washing before consumption if this is done).

Please note that these products are not guaranteed to be effective. Please also note that all of these products must be used in accordance with the instructions on the containers.

Back to: Top / Contents

Use of pesticides to remove worms or insects

Since badgers will usually only dig up golf or bowling greens if there is food to be found, removing that food source should stop the damage. The food sources in question will usually be earthworms, insect larvae (leatherjackets, cockchafer grubs etc), or both. These can be killed by the application of vermicides (worm killing agents) or insecticides.

From an environmental point of view, the use of pesticides should be obviously be minimised, and other solutions should be used if possible. If pesticides are used, then non-persistent varieties should be chosen, as they do not have such long-lasting effects in the environment.

Note 1 - Under the terms of the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, only a BASIS-registered or certified adviser can legally offer advice on the use of pesticides in the UK. Should you wish to use these substances to remove insects or worms from greens, you should therefore consult such a person for guidance on specific products and their use. You may be able to get advice from your local agricultural merchant.

Note 2 - I am not aware of any pesticides which are currently approved for use against worms or lawn pests in gardens.

Back to: Top / Contents

References

b019.

Picture credits

The Eurasian badger photo used at the head of this Article is © Steve Jackson. Credits for the photos used in the right-hand margin of this page for site navigation can be found on the Credits page.

Back to: Top / Contents