By Chris Keefer, Technical Services Representative, Syngenta Professional Pest Management The house mouse (Mus domesticus), the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the roof rat (Rattus rattus) are the three most encountered rodents in urban environments. As a pest management professional, you must know, understand and be able to perform a thorough inspection. This will help you develop and implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan that will be successful for your customers. Before implementing rodent control practices, you’ll need to do the following: - Perform an inspection with the proper equipment, including:
- Flashlight
- Mechanic’s mirror
- Screwdriver
- Ladder
- Gloves
- Diagram of the interior and exterior of the structure
- Create inspection aisles
- Develop a treatment plan based on inspection results:
- Identification of rodents on premises
- The extent and severity of the infestation
- Location of rodent harborages
- High-activity areas
- Most efficient control strategies
- Communicate your findings and treatment plan to the client in full detail:
- Sanitation issues
- Structural issues
- Use written and verbal communication (pictures and videos)
Customers can help ensure the environment discourages rodents by: - Cleaning spills and messes immediately inside and on the exterior of the structure
- Not allowing clutter to build up inside or on the perimeter of the structure
- Keeping vegetation on or near structures trimmed so visual inspections can be properly performed
Sanitation, exclusion, mechanical control and chemical control can all be used to implement a successful IPM plan. If rodents are discovered and chemical control is necessary, Talon® Weatherblok® XT rodenticide with the active ingredient, brodifacoum, in a highly palatable formulation offers rodent control with a single feeding, limiting instances of bait shyness. By developing a plan and being knowledgeable about rodent biology, ecology and inspection techniques, you can keep your customers’ structures rodent-free all year long. For more information about rodent control, contact your local Syngenta territory manager.  - References
- Bennett, G. W., J. M. Owens, and R. M. Corrigan. 1997. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Advanstar Communications Inc., Cleveland, OH.
- Corrigan, R. M. 2001. Rodent Control A Practical Guide for Pest Management Professionals. GIE Media, Cleveland, OH.
- Ebelling, Walter. 1975. Urban Entomology. University of California Division of Agricultural Sciences. Los Angeles, CA.
- Mallis, A. 1990. Handbook of Pest Control. Franzak and Foster Co., Cleveland, OH.
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