Gavin Wilson, technical and marketing manager for Liphatech, outlines the benefits of taking an integrated approach to rodent management.
Integrated rodent management is a comprehensive approach that combines multiple strategies to effectively manage rodent populations with minimal impact on the environment and non-target species. This approach aims to create a sustainable and long-term solution to rodent infestations. To successfully carry out integrated rodent management, several key elements are required.
The first step in integrated rodent management is conducting a thorough inspection and assessment of the affected area, the building and site. This includes identifying rodent entry points, nesting areas, and food sources. Understanding the extent of the infestation and the specific rodent species involved is essential in developing an effective management plan.
Based on the inspection findings, pest management professionals should identify and select appropriate control measures. The overall management plan may include the use of habitat modification, exclusion methods, traps and rodenticides. It is essential to choose methods that are effective, safe, and tailored to the unique needs of the situation.
Sanitation practices play a crucial role in integrated rodent management. Removing food and water sources from the environment reduces the attractiveness of the area to rodents. Exclusion measures, such as sealing cracks and gaps in buildings, prevent rodents from entering and nesting in structures.
In certain cases, traps can be used as a standalone non-chemical control method. However in some cases, the use of rodenticides can be an effective tool in integrated rodent management. These can be used in a number of ways, including in conjunction with traps. It is essential to use rodenticides responsibly, following the label guidelines. Second-generation anticoagulants are often preferred and are more adapted for use in major infestations as less bait is deployed and required to achieve control due to their higher potency, single-feed mode of action and reduced risk of resistance development.
Once the control measures have been put in place, regular monitoring and evaluation are essential components of integrated rodent management. Monitoring involves inspecting bait stations, traps, and the environment to assess rodent activity and the effectiveness of control measures. Evaluating the results helps identify areas of improvement and allows for adjustments to be made to the management plan.
Proper training and education of pest management professionals is vital for the successful implementation of rodent management best practice. Knowledge of rodent behaviour, identification, and control methods ensures that control measures are applied effectively and safely. Knowledge should be shared with other stakeholders, such as property owners, auditors and health department officials. Effective communication among these parties ensures that everyone is aware of the control measures being implemented and any potential risks involved.
Of course, there are environmental considerations too. Integrated rodent management aims to minimise the impact that control methods have on the environment and non-target species. This means using non-chemical control measures whenever possible, following proper disposal procedures for rodent carcasses, and considering the potential effects on wildlife and the wider ecosystem.
Rodent control is an ongoing process. Even after the initial control measures have been implemented, continued monitoring and maintenance are necessary to prevent reinfestations and ensure long-term control.
Liphatech offers a range of innovative rodent control products to help pest managers devise successful integrated rodent management plans. These include our Generation and Maki range of rodent baits and Aegis hardware stations as well as non-chemical control solutions such as the Aegis Trap and The Clash, an electromechanical mouse trap.
Gavin Wilson, Technical and Marketing Manager ANZ, Liphatech
