Premium
Palatability and efficacy of bromadiolone rodenticide block bait previously exposed to environmental conditions
Author(s) -
Nakagawa Lia,
de Masi Eduardo,
Narciso Emerson,
Neto Hildebrando Montenegro,
Papini Solange
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.3944
Subject(s) - rodenticide , palatability , toxicology , biology , food science
BACKGROUND In São Paulo city, rodent infestation is considered to be a serious public health problem and is the object of a municipal rodent control programme. One of the most important routine methods involves baiting in sewers, using bromadiolone block bait in a pulsed baiting strategy. It has been observed that, after each pulse, bait is not always consumed, and its appearance is altered, which has led to concerns about efficacy. We assessed whether exposure to sewer conditions influences the palatability and efficacy of rodenticide baits to Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus ). Baits containing bromadiolone as active ingredient were placed in sewers, removed after 30 days and offered to rats in a two‐choice food trial and a no‐choice food trial. RESULTS The appearance of the rodenticide baits changed after 30 days exposure to sewer conditions, but they continued to be palatable and effective against rats. The level of mortality was considered to be satisfactory, 75% in the two‐choice food trial and 100% in the no‐choice food trial. CONCLUSION Results support the reuse of rodenticide block bait in rodent control. It seems to be justified to continue using/reuse baits even when their appearance has changed after 30 days exposure in sewer systems. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry