LESSON 3
RODENT CONTROL
3-1.
INTRODUCTION
a. Rodents moved in with man several thousand years ago, prepared in his
environment, and accompanied him to all corners of the world. We will never eliminate
rodents completely, but by employing the techniques discussed in this lesson, we will be
able to limit them to the point that they do not pose a threat to the health or economy of
the Army.
b. Rodent control work should be regarded as a continuous program, with a
sustained effort to eliminate the causes of infestation, rather than a program of recurrent
extensive campaigns. Rodent control must be carried out in a logical sequence in order
to bring about rodent abatement without spreading rodents or increasing the probability
of disease transmission to man. Steps in an effective rodent control program include:
survey (to include ectoparasite survey), ectoparasite control, rodent extermination,
rodent proofing, environmental sanitation, and maintenance. Survey procedures were
discussed in Lesson 2; this lesson will deal with methods of control.
3-2.
ECTOPARASITE CONTROL
a. Ectoparasite control is a vital step in any rodent control program. The
ectoparasites feed on the blood of their host rodent and may thereby become infected
with disease. When the rodent host is killed, the ectoparasites leave the body and, by
chance, may select man as the new host. In doing so, the ectoparasites may transmit
the disease to man. When disease is thought to be present in a rodent population, the
ectoparasites must be killed before rodent eradication measures begin. If the situation
is urgent, ectoparasites control can be applied simultaneously with rodent control
measures.
b. Ectoparasite control can best be accomplished through the application of
residual insecticides at the suspected focus of the rodent infestation. Only insecticides
approved by the Environmental Protection Agency specifically for this type of control
may be used. Information contained on the manufacturer's label must be consulted
prior to use. Harborages, burrows, runways, and similar areas should receive particular
attention; however, under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to treat entire
buildings or areas of open ground. Ectoparasite control should normally precede rodent
killing operations by at least 1 to 3 days. Insecticide dust should be blown or thrown
into burrows, nests, harborages, and other enclosed spaces, which could conceal a rat
or mouse. The insecticide dust should also be applied in patches along known runways
and other areas along which rodents may travel. The applied dust will adhere to the fur
of the rodent, thus killing the ectoparasites present on the rodent.
MD0172
3-2