Commensal Rodent IPM

Problems Associated with Rodents Disease Food Contamination Property Damage Fires Trouble with the Health Department

Commensal Rodents Norway Rat Rattus norvegicus Brown rat Roof Rat Rattus rattus Ship rat Black Rat

Commensal Rodents House mouse Mus musculus Field Mouse Enters homes, schools, and commercial facilities when weather begins to get cold ~October in Virginia

Rodent Identification

Comparison of Characteristics

Rodent Attributes Excellent hearing Excellent sense of smell and taste Excellent sense of touch Poor eyesight “See well” in the dark: –Kinesthetic sense

Rodent Attributes 3D territory Excellent climbers Can swim Can squeeze their body through any hole they can get the head through –(1/4” for some mice) Cryptobiotic

Rodent Droppings

Rodent Rub or Swing Marks

Rodent Burrows (Mice and Norway Rat)

Rodent Damage

Rats versus Mouse Behavior Rats Shy Reject new objects in their environment Eat single large meals Mice Inquisitive Inspect new objects in their environment Nibblers

Example of IPM for Rodents Roof Rat Problem?

IPM for Rodent Control Inspection and monitoring –Identification of the pest –Determine pest location and numbers Sanitation and exclusion Decide on least toxic and most effective control methods Continue monitoring

Inspection and Monitoring Inspect at night when rodents are active 3D inspection for runways Use black light to look for urine Look for damage, droppings, and rub marks Use non-toxic tracking powder to monitor for movement (tracks and tail drags)

Sanitation and Exclusion Close doors Install door sweeps Plug the holes –Copper wool – ¼” hardware cloth –Stainless steel Remove brush from around structures to remove rodent runs Pull boxes and pallets from the walls to allow for inspection Clean up/ remove clutter Store food and potential nest material in sealed containers Keeps stored items on racks off the floor

Control Options Map the location of all control devices Glue Boards Snap Traps –Secured –Checked every 24h “Live” Traps –Checked every 24h Baiting –Tamper Resistant Containers

What we do not do…. Do not use rodent baits if you can avoid it. Never use rodent bait indoors. Never use bait pellets or toss packs. Never leave bait loose in a station. Secure bait stations.

Life in Washington DC You get a citation for too much dog poop in your yard!