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Location
Corpus Christi, TX
Start Date
9-4-2007 12:00 AM
Description
Rodenticides including anticoagulants, zinc phosphide and strychnine are frequently used for rodent control in agricultural areas in California. While considered safe and effective, non-target secondary poisonings related to anticoagulants and other materials have been reported. There are many ways to influence the hazards associated with rodenticide use. The most important thing in controlling rodents in agricultural areas is to do the best job possible combining knowledge of the target species, bait materials and possible non-target impacts. When a control program fails or is not very effective, growers are often forced to use additional control efforts to try to correct the problem. When this happens, more rodenticide use might be necessary and, with more use comes greater primary and secondary exposure. The best way to minimize hazards associated with rodenticide use is to understand the pest, its damage potential, and the methods and materials available to mitigate the problem. When this information is used, a good and effective control program can be developed that has minimal negative impact on other non-target species or the environment.
Recommended Citation
Salmon, T. P. (2007). Reducing rodenticide hazards: Agricultural settings. In Nolte, D.L., Arjo, W.M., & Stalman, D. (Eds.), The Twelfth Wildlife Damage Management Conference (139-143). Corpus Christi, TX: National Wildlife Research Center.
Included in
Reducing Rodenticide Hazards: Agricultural Settings
Corpus Christi, TX
Rodenticides including anticoagulants, zinc phosphide and strychnine are frequently used for rodent control in agricultural areas in California. While considered safe and effective, non-target secondary poisonings related to anticoagulants and other materials have been reported. There are many ways to influence the hazards associated with rodenticide use. The most important thing in controlling rodents in agricultural areas is to do the best job possible combining knowledge of the target species, bait materials and possible non-target impacts. When a control program fails or is not very effective, growers are often forced to use additional control efforts to try to correct the problem. When this happens, more rodenticide use might be necessary and, with more use comes greater primary and secondary exposure. The best way to minimize hazards associated with rodenticide use is to understand the pest, its damage potential, and the methods and materials available to mitigate the problem. When this information is used, a good and effective control program can be developed that has minimal negative impact on other non-target species or the environment.