SEDL / STP / STP680-EB / STP34962S

Field Methods for Census Taking of Commensal Rodents in Rodenticide Evaluations

Kaukeinen, DE
Technical representative, ICI Americas, Inc., Goldsboro, N.C.

Pages: 16    Published: Jun 1979

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Abstract

Various population assessment methods usable for commensal rodent populations, namely, catch-mark-release trapping, food or poison consumption, tracking determinations, and counting systems or devices are reviewed. The last three methods were chosen for further evaluation and modification in the course of over 30 field evaluations of rodenticides. Two new methods for censusing commensal rodent populations are presented: a convenient method for the production of tracking tiles and a passive electronic device for registering and counting rodent activity, based on the detection of naturally emitted body heat. Suggestions on the use of these new methods and food consumption in censusing, as well as representative data, are included.