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Low-income housing often has multiple indoor health risks. Among them, pest infestation, pesticide use, and pest allergens are recognized as common risks which affect residents' health. Cockroach and rodent allergens are associated with morbidity and mortality of asthmatics. To characterize the levels of pest infestation, residents' attitudes toward pest control, and the relationships among cockroaches, mice, cockroach allergen level, asthma and allergy rate in public housing, we interviewed residents from 358 randomly selected apartments in Gary, Indiana and assessed the environmental conditions. Dust samples were collected from 101 apartment kitchen floors to analyze for cockroach allergen (Bla g 1 and Bla g 2) levels. Eighty one percent of the apartments were found infested by cockroaches, mice, ants, spiders, or flies. In the 101 apartments evaluated, 98% of the kitchen dust samples had detectable levels of Bla g 1 allergen (>or=0.4 U/g), 52% had >or=2 U/g, and 33% had >or=8 U/g of Bla g 1. Among the 1,173 residents, 13% and 9% had physician-diagnosed asthma and allergy, respectively. Existence of diagnosed asthmatic was positively correlated with mouse infestations.

Apathy and ignorance about pest infestation and the health risks involved are the subject of an article by Norman Southam, who discusses the use of pesticides and measures to control and eradicate many pests which thrive in many hospitals today.

BACKGROUND: Rodent management with lethal methods (e.g., rodenticides) comes with downsides for rodent welfare, the environment and non‐target species. To reduce chemical use and prevent rodent nuisance, pest controllers in the Netherlands must work according to the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). A condition for the success of IPM is that there is sufficient engagement of all parties involved, including clients of pest controllers. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the attitudes of clients regarding rodent control, IPM and the application of preventive measures. Insight into their attitudes may contribute to a better implementation of IPM and with that to a more sustainable rodent management based on more effective prevention. An online survey among 248 clients of Dutch pest controllers from both the agricultural and other sectors was carried out. RESULTS: Respondents from the agricultural sector had a relatively negative attitude towards IPM, the new IPM regulations in the Netherlands and had little confidence in prevention. In other sectors, respondents were more positive about IPM and had more confidence in prevention. The respondents from the latter subgroup had a similar attitude compared to Dutch pest controllers who participated in a previous survey. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study provide information for the further development and practical implementation of IPM and preventive measures and with that a more sustainable and animal friendly rodent management. They can also be helpful for a better communication and cooperation between pest controllers and their clients. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Invasive rodents pose a substantial threat to biodiversity and are a leading cause of species decline and extinction on islands. Population suppression using ground-based methods is common practice, though arboreal behaviour of rodents may render control programs less effective. Aims: We aimed to quantify species-specific invasive rodent activity (Rattus rattus , R. exulans , Mus musculus) across three forest strata to determine the prevalence of arboreal rodent behaviour in a system that has undergone extensive long-term rodent baiting, and therefore assess the suitability of solely ground-based baiting in this system. Methods: We calculated rodent presence at the ground, mid-storey, and canopy using three detection methods (camera traps, chew cards and tracking tunnels) deployed for 30-day periods across three structurally distinct forest types (canopy heights ranged from 3.5 to 16.7 m). We developed continuous rodent activity indices for each method, which we paired with density estimates. Strata-specific species composition was determined using camera trap images. Key results: Rodent presence was recorded equally across all strata, with R. rattus dominating above-ground strata. Rodent densities differed significantly between forest types, which was largely consistent with activity indices. Conclusions: Our findings offer an additional explanation for reduced efficacy of long-term ground-based control programs: arboreal behaviour may exacerbate the reduction in efficacy often associated with long-term control. Implications: Effective management of invasive rodent species on islands is a global conservation challenge. Our findings suggest above-ground control may be required in some long-term suppression programs or eradication campaigns, particularly in the presence of the black rat. Introduced rodents are highly destructive island invaders the world over. Control programs are usually ground-based, however our study found that black rats (Rattus rattus) dominated the forest mid-storey and canopy, casting doubt on the effectiveness of solely ground-based programs. Including above-ground control in the conservationist's rodent control arsenal may improve outcomes for island biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) is the most serious vertebrate pest in Egypt, causing significant economic losses to cultivated crops and stored foodstuffs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential anti-fertility effects of alpha-chlorohydrin (ACH) and exogenous testosterone on this pest. Methods: Rats were orally administered ACH at a dose of 70 mg/kg for 5 days and exogenous testosterone at 25 mg/kg three times a week for 3 weeks. The anti-fertility effects of both agents were assessed after 24 hours of exposure. Results: The findings revealed that both ACH and exogenous testosterone significantly reduced the serum ATPase, Esterase, and G3PDH activities, hormonal fertility, testosterone levels, and LH and FSH levels. Also, the agents caused slight increases in ASAT, ALAT, GGT, ALP activities, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. There was a noticeable decline in the oxidative functions of the testis and epididymis; with CAT, SOD, and GSH levels in these organs being dramatically inhibited, while the levels of MDA and NO increased. Further, both agents led to a decrease in the weight of the reproductive organs, sperm count and motility, and induced histological changes in the epididymis and testis. Moreover, there was a reduction in the expression of immunohistochemical markers of androgen receptor proteins and Wilms' tumor nuclear protein-1 in both testicular and epididymal tissues. Conclusions: The results indicate that ACH and testosterone induce infertility in male Nile rats. Therefore, the use of ACH and testosterone is recommended for integrated rodent control and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the domestic cat Felis catus is implicated in multiple faunal extinctions and threatens many extant species, there is widespread, well‐funded advocacy for desexing unowned cats near human habitation and returning them to site to be fed by volunteers, arguing that this prevents euthanasia, is unlikely to be hazardous to wildlife or a public health risk, and controls non‐native rodents. To the contrary, we present unequivocal evidence that this approach harms cat welfare, does threaten wildlife and public health, and exacerbates rather than controls rodent problems. We argue instead that unowned cats near human habitation can be controlled effectively by intensive adoption and responsible euthanasia when necessary, supported by licensing and containment of adopted/owned cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although rodents are the largest taxonomic groups of all mammals, only about 5% of them are considered pests. Rodent pest control is used to control commensal rodents such as Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), roof rats (Rattus rattus), and house mice (Mus musculus). Methods used for rodent pest control are: trapping, poisons, habitat management, fertility control, barriers, repellents (acoustic and olfactory), behavioural mechanisms, predators or parasites, control of ectoparasites or pathogens, damage prevention and forecasting, etc. One of the most widespread methods in the world is the application of poisons. The most common are anticoagulant rodenticides, which are divided into first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. Considering that anticoagulant rodenticides are indiscriminate and can affect all vertebrates, there is a high risk of unintentional poisoning of non-target wildlife or domesticated animals. Therefore, there is growing concern about the detection of second-generation anticoagulant residues in a large number of animal species. Their accumulation in the environment can cause anticoagulants to transfer along the food chain, causing potentially serious health consequences for wildlife and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of rodent pests with novel rodenticides is an important strategy subsequently they are cost-effective in reduction of agriculture damage in the urban environment. The current field study was conducted to test the efficiency of newly formulated baits of zinc phosphide (2%) and brodifacoum (0.005%) in combination and alone mixed with additives for the control of field rats prevailing wheat-groundnut cropping system of the Pothwar region, Pakistan. Burrow baiting and bait stations were employed at the early flowering stages of the respective crops, and continued through three growth stages (germination, peg formation/flowering and maturity). Treatment efficacy of the trials was assessed through counts of active rodent burrows before and after treatments at the three growth stages of these crops. The results indicated variable degrees of reduction in burrow activities following the three bait applications. The reductions in rodent activity in wheat were 88.8% at germination, 92.0% at flowering/grain formation and 95.5% at maturity stage. In groundnut, the rodent activities were reduced by 91.8%, 93.5% and 95.8% at germination, peg formation, and maturity stages, respectively. The estimated mortality at all three growth stages of both wheat and groundnut ranged between 60 and 85%. A significant impact of three rodenticides treatments on the reduction of rodent burrow density in both wheat and groundnut crops (P < 0.05) was observed. Nonetheless, comparison of the mean values reveals that the number of burrows reduced at the maturity stages (P > 0.05). The results revealed that this combination of rodenticides have more potential in enhancing bait acceptance and could be benefit to the agricultural ecosystem and may reduce the impact of secondary poisoning and environmental risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BACKGROUND: Resistance to rodenticides has been reported globally and poses a considerable problem for efficacy in pest control. The most‐documented resistance to rodenticides in commensal rodents is associated with mutations in the Vkorc1 gene, in particular in codon 139. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides has been reported in the Netherlands since 1989. A study from 2013 showed that 25% of 169 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) had a mutation at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene. To gain insight in the current status of rodenticide resistance amongst R. norvegicus and house mice Mus musculus in the Netherlands, we tested these rodents for mutations in codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene. In addition, we collected data from pest controllers on their use of rodenticides and experience with rodenticide resistance. RESULTS: A total of 1801 rodent samples were collected throughout the country consisting of 1404 R. norvegicus and 397 M. musculus. In total, 15% of R. norvegicus [95% confidence interval (CI): 13–17%] and 38% of M. musculus (95% CI: 33–43%) carried a genetic mutation at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates genetic mutations at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene in M. musculus in the Netherlands. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides is present in R. norvegicus and M. musculus in multiple regions in the Netherlands. The results of this comprehensive study provide a baseline and facilitate trend analyses of Vkorc1 codon 139 mutations and evaluation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies as these are enrolled in the Netherlands. © 2022 The Dutch Pest and Wildlife. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent control tends to involve methods that cause animal suffering, but little attention has been paid to the animal welfare implications of rodent control. The aim of the current study was to gain insight into the opinions and attitudes of clients of Dutch pest controllers, regarding liminal rodents, rodent control, and rodent welfare. A better understanding of their attitudes may contribute to more ethical rodent management programmes. An online survey among 248 clients of Dutch pest controllers was carried out. Respondents, especially those within the agricultural sector, have a relatively negative attitude towards rats and mice. Respondents in the agricultural subgroup do not consider the welfare of liminal rodents important. They also think that the welfare impact of commonly used control methods is limited, and they have low tolerance levels for the presence of rodents. Respondents from other sectors have a far more positive attitude towards rats and mice, consider their welfare to be of greater importance, have a greater estimation of the welfare impact of control methods and show greater tolerance levels towards rodents. The respondents from the latter subgroup have a similar attitude compared to Dutch pest controllers participating in a previous survey. The findings of the current study firstly provide useful information for the further development and practical implementation of preventive control methods. Secondly, they provide input for a more animal-friendly rodent control and for the development of an assessment framework to support ethical decision-making. Finally, they can be helpful for further research and the communication and co-operation between professional pest controllers and their clients.

This special issue of I Integrative Zoology i (the official journal of the International Society of Zoological Science and the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences) comprises a series of papers, aspects of which were presented at the 23rd International Congress of Zoology, a virtual meeting for participants between November 22 and 24, 2021. Nevertheless before major broad-scale field use of EP-1 can be achieved, other assessments such as determining any short or longer term effects of EP-1 in non-target species are essential. Fertility control has been proposed as one method that could be added to the EBRM toolbox - potentially it has the breadth of requisite characteristics and is promoted as a safe, benign and species-specific method for managing rodent problems. Laboratory research on EP-1 has shown some variability in response among different rodent species and sexes as well as differences in efficacy depending on the ratios of E and P (1:1; 1:2) used. [Extracted from the article]

Considering the harvesting of prey and stocking of predator impulsively at different fixed moments of time, this paper studies the dynamics of a seasonally competitive m-prey and n-predator impulsive system, which is focused more specifically in four areas as follows: (i) we emphasize the dynamics of m-prey and n-predator in the ecosystem with a view to understanding how the present work may be able to apply to real environment applications; (ii) this work uses the general functional response instead of using specific impulse responses; (iii) considering the intra- and inter-competitions between species and (iv) the system is subjected to the influences of seasonal factors which imposes direct impacts to the delicate balance of biological systems. By using the comparison techniques and the Floquet theorems, the sufficient conditions for the ecosystem permanence and the asymptotic stabilities of the global and local prey-free periodic solutions have been subsequently obtained. This work is concluded with an in-depth discussion of the biological significance of the results obtained in this research. The obtained results can provide theoretical support for protecting endangered species and to help maintain the ecological balance, especially when it is applied to practical pest management, such as rodent controls in the farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many raptor species consume rodent pests, the behaviors and habits of barn owls make them particularly suitable candidates for consideration as a viable pest control strategy. As a cavity-nesting species, barn owls will readily nest in man-made structures including nest boxes. Barn owls are also less territorial than many other raptor species and will tolerate other pairs nesting nearby if prey is abundant. Barn owls preferentially consume rodents including voles (Microtus spp.) and pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.) in habitats where they occur, but will also switch to more abundant prey so they may be able to sustain populations even if preferred prey numbers fall. These life-history traits allow for people to inflate barn owl populations in target areas, and this has been a factor in the widespread popularity of encouraging barn owls to nest in agricultural areas to provide natural pest control of small nocturnal vertebrate pests. However, the ability of barn owls to control rodent pests has only been formally tested in Malaysian rice and palm oil agriculture, and whether barn owls are capable of controlling rodent pests to economically acceptable levels in areas such as California is as yet unknown. We extracted and combined data from field studies of barn owl nesting behavior and diet in California vineyards to predict that annually, a pair of nesting barn owls and their progeny will consume 97.85 kg of prey. We predicted that an average barn owl nest in a California vineyard will therefore consume 843 pocket gophers, 578 voles, and 1,540 other prey items, most of which are mice. At these values, a barn owl population density of one nest/10 ha may be able to offset the annual productivity of an average population of pocket gophers, but even the highest barn owl densities of one nest/2 ha would be unable to control pocket gopher populations at maximum densities and reproductive rates. While valuable for making initial predictions of the ability of owls to control small rodent pests, our prediction methods are crude, and accurately assessing the capability of barn owls to control rodent pests will require more field data and more sophisticated modeling techniques.

Rodenticide baits are commonly used to control rodent populations, but their unintended effects on non-target species have raised concerns. One such concern is the potential consumption of rodenticide-contaminated invertebrates by insectivores, leading to secondary poisoning. This article explores the evidence and implications of this phenomenon, highlighting the ecological and conservation implications of rodenticide use in pest management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are commonly used to control rodent pests. However, worldwide, their use is associated with secondary and tertiary poisoning of nontarget species, especially predatory and scavenging birds. No medical device can rapidly test for AR exposure of avian wildlife. Prothrombin time (PT) is a useful biomarker for AR exposure, and multiple commercially available point-of-care (POC) devices measure PT of humans, and domestic and companion mammals. We evaluated the potential of one commercially available POC device, the Coag-Sense® PT/INR Monitoring System, to rapidly detect AR exposure of living birds of prey. The Coag-Sense device delivered repeatable PT measurements on avian blood samples collected from four species of raptors trapped during migration (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient > 0.9; overall intra-sample variation CV: 5.7%). However, PT measurements reported by the Coag-Sense system from 81 ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) nestlings were not correlated to those measured by a one-stage laboratory avian PT assay (r = − 0.017, p = 0.88). Although precise, the lack of agreement in PT estimates from the Coag-Sense device and the laboratory assay indicates that this device is not suitable for detecting potential AR exposure of birds of prey. The lack of suitability may be related to the use of a mammalian reagent in the clotting reaction, suggesting that the device may perform better in testing mammalian wildlife [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to assess adoption of rodent pest management strategies by farmers in District Ludhiana, Punjab during the year 2017-18. Farmers belonging to three villages, namely Barewaal Dogra (maintenance area), Kutbewaal Gujran (neglected area) and Ladiyan Kalan (survey area) having land holding ranging from 2.0-32.0 acres were selected. The pre-dominant rodent pest species in area under study was Bandicota bengalensis followed by Tatera indica, Millardia meltada and Mus boodguga. Education and training was provided to farmers belonging to maintenance and neglected villages whereas free rodenticide baits were distributed among farmers of maintenance village only. In survey village, no such activity was performed and kept as reference area. KAP survey (Knowledge Aptitude and Practice) of farmers before imparting education during paddy crop period revealed similar rodent control practices being used by farmers in all the three selected villages. Subsequent KAP survey during wheat crop period for impact assessment revealed the sustainability of education and training already imparted during paddy crop period. About 41-92% increase in farmers observing recommended rodent control practices during crop production was noticed. So timely education and free rodenticide bait distribution are important factors responsible for adoption and sustainability of rodent control strategies by the farmers. Farmer can save food grains (33.09 kg paddy/acre and 36.39 kg wheat/acre) with an economic benefit (Rs. 500.09-575.66/acre) and cost: benefit ratio of 1: 36 to 1: 39 by using education, training and free rodenticides which will help in food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norbormide (NRB) is a Rattus-specific toxicant that has low palatability and produces sub-lethal dosing in the field, thereby limiting its effectiveness as a rodent control tool. In this study, we assessed the species-specific effect and time to death of a lethal dose of a fatty acid derived pro-toxicant of NRB, named DR8, in six rodent species from China; three species of Rattus and three non-Rattus species. Our results showed three species/subspecies of Rattus were sensitive to DR8, with LD50 values being less than 50 mg/kg, while non-Rattus rodent species were totally insensitive to this drug. As expected, the time to death in the three species of Rattus was longer in those rats dosed with DR8 compared to those dosed with NRB. This indicated that DR8 possesses a slower activity profile to NRB, and therefore supports its potential to increase palatability and be a promising species-specific tool for rodent pest management. LSID [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

House mice are a major ecosystem pest, particularly threatening island ecosystems as a non-native invasive species. Rapid advances in synthetic biology offer new avenues to control pest species for biodiversity conservation. Recently, a synthetic sperm-killing gene drive construct called t-Sry has been proposed as a means to eradicate target mouse populations owing to a lack of females. A factor that has received little attention in the discussion surrounding such drive applications is polyandry. Previous research has demonstrated that sperm-killing drivers are extremely damaging to a male's sperm competitive ability. Here, we examine the importance of this effect on the t-Sry system using a theoretical model. We find that polyandry substantially hampers the spread of t-Sry such that release efforts have to be increased three- to sixfold for successful eradication. We discuss the implications of our finding for potential pest control programmes, the risk of drive spread beyond the target population, and the emergence of drive resistance. Our work highlights that a solid understanding of the forces that determine drive dynamics in a natural setting is key for successful drive application, and that exploring the natural diversity of gene drives may inform effective gene drive design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents cause large financial losses all over the world; in addition, these animals can also act as a reservoir and intermediate host or vector of diseases. Rodents have an important role in the distribution of diseases in an area. Sometimes, the distribution of a particular disease in an area depends on the distribution of rodents in that area. This study focuses on the distribution of rodent-related diseases in Iran. Rodent-borne and rodent-related diseases and diseases with suspected relationship with rodents have been reviewed in this study. Iran, due to the circumstances in which different species of rodents are able to live, has a high prevalence of certain diseases associated with rodents in urban and rural areas. Awareness about the distribution of rodent-related diseases can be a great help to rodent's control and prevention against the spread of the diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used worldwide to suppress rodent populations. Owing to the highly toxic and persistent properties of ARs, farmland predators are increasingly being documented with residues in their systems. Our objective was to evaluate the usage of ARs in Delta, the main region where raptor carcasses have been collected for AR residue testing in British Columbia. We found that farmers most frequently engaged in rodent control (95%). Hobby farmers and residential owners only engaged in rodent control if rodents had been seen or had damaged their property. Products containing brodifacoum were most frequently applied (32%), which was also the most commonly found AR in raptors sampled in the region. Unintended misuse (17%) stemmed from a lack of understanding about the differences in toxicity of products. Our survey demonstrates the need for more information for land-owners regarding correct AR application and safe disposal of poisoned rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When non-human animals are labeled as ‘pests’, their moral status and welfare seem relatively unimportant. In a multi-stakeholder project, we develop an assessment frame for a more responsible rodent management that includes animal welfare. An online survey among 129 Dutch pest controllers was carried out in order to find out more about pest controllers’ attitudes about animal welfare. Respondents indicate to consider animal welfare in their job. They see differences in the welfare impact of different rodent control methods. A dilemma may occur when methods with a high impact, such as rodenticides, are ofttimes used in practice. Respondents also indicate that in different real-life scenarios (the hospital kitchen vs. the private backyard), a different weight may be attributed to the importance of animal welfare. Almost half of the respondents encounter difficulties when weighing animals against human interests. The problems are mainly related to clients who are not willing to invest sufficient money in preventive methods, where respondents do believe in. Some differences were found between respondents depending on membership of a professional association for pest controllers. The results of this study are relevant input for focus groups with pest controllers and their clients and for the development of the aforementioned assessment frame.

A proactive (rather than reactive) approach to rodent control includes effective planning, administration, and coordination. Centralized coordination, detailed scheduling, and well-defined contract specifications provide a solid basis for managing an integrated pest management program. Documentation and data management help to ensure cost effective and efficient operations. The ability to work with people and bureaucracies is essential for the science of rodent control to be applied effectively in real world situations and for vertebrate pest programs to succeed.

Data for this report were gathered from three different contractors working on a service contract for the Butte Falls Ranger District of the Rogue River National Forest in southwest Oregon to control pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.). Other data were collected from formal open-hole inspection plots. These plots were also the basis for payment on this contract. Issues of concern on this project were: 1) Production. Could we treat enough acres of the high-risk plantations in the City of Medford Municipal Watershed; 2) Control effectiveness. Could we reach a control comparable to strychnine-treated grain; 3) Cost effectiveness. Would bid prices be low enough to treat enough acres without depleting our budget; and 4) Effect on nontarget species.

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are considered inhumane, show increasingly limited efficacy due to acquired resistance, and carry environmental consequences associated with non-target species uptake. In a questionnaire study of 499 UK farms that all deployed chemical rodenticide we found a high mean reliance (79%), on second generation ARs with just over half of the respondents using no other rodent control methods. Additional methods where deployed, alone or in combination, included predation (41%), kill-trap deployment (16%) and shooting (1%). Nearly 40% of all respondents deployed rodenticides year-round. There was no evidence to suggest that “tidy-farm” measures, such as clearing food spills and minimising on-farm rodent harbourage sites aimed at minimising rodent-associated problems, were associated with a lower likelihood of year-round deployment; in fact trends in our analyses suggested the opposite. We therefore encourage operators to fully evaluate the true necessity of rodenticide deployment before AR use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND We evaluated the potential of cholecalciferol as an enhancer of the first-generation anticoagulant coumatetralyl in the Westphalia anticoagulant-resistant strain of the Norway rat ( Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout), characterised by the Tyr139Cys polymorphism on the VKOR enzyme. Because today only the most potent, but also most persistent anticoagulant rodenticides of the second generation remain available to control this strain, new rodenticide solutions are required. RESULTS Feeding trials in the laboratory confirmed a significant level of efficacy, which was corroborated by field trials in the Münsterland resistance area. After frequency and level of resistance were assessed by blood clotting response tests, field trials were conducted with bait containing coumatetralyl at 375 mg kg−1 and cholecalciferol at 50 mg kg−1 or 100 mg kg−1. Control success was 94% when a large rat infestation comprising 42% resistant animals was treated. Another field trial applying the combination to a rat population that had survived a preceding treatment with bromadiolone resulted in a 99.5% control success according to the first census day, but with some increase in rat activity during subsequent census days. CONCLUSION The combination of coumatetralyl and cholecalciferol is a promising alternative approach to the most potent second-generation anticoagulants in resistance management, particularly in respect of environmental risks, such as secondary poisoning. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary exposure to chemical rodenticides, specifically second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), poses a threat to non-target wildlife including birds of prey. Federal regulations in the United States currently limit homeowner access to SGARs as a way of minimizing this threat. With legal access to SGARs, pest management professionals (PMPs) represent a potential linkage to non-target exposure. There is limited research focused on rodent control practices, chemical rodenticide preferences, level of concern and awareness, or opinions on rodenticide regulations as they relate to PMPs. An online survey was sent to PMP companies across Massachusetts, USA, between October and November 2015. Thirty-five responses were obtained, a 20 % response rate. The preferred rodent control method among responding PMP companies was chemical rodenticides, specifically the SGAR bromadiolone. Respondents varied in their level of concern regarding the impact of chemical rodenticides on non-target species and showed a low level of awareness regarding SGAR potency and half-life. All responding companies reported using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, with nearly all utilizing chemical rodenticides at some point. Enhanced education focused on SGAR potency, bioaccumulation potential, exposure routes, and negative impacts on non-target wildlife may improve efforts made by PMPs to minimize risk to wildlife and decrease dependence on chemical rodenticide use. Future studies evaluating use of anticoagulant rodenticide (ARs) by PMPs and the association with AR residues found in non-target wildlife is necessary to determine if current EPA regulations need to be modified to effectively reduce the risk of SGARs to non-target wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]