Rodents Flashcards
most significant & largest pest species among the commensal rodents
Norway rat
a relatively large, thick body, these rats can reach over a foot in length and weigh over one pound
Norway rat
blunt muzzle
small ears and eyes
Norway rat
diseases it carries has caused more deaths than all wars throughout history, and it causes staggering economic losses from damaged crops, destruction of food, and physical damage to property
Norway rat
major nuisances when associated with human habitations
Roof rat
relatively slender body, seldom exceed 8 inches in body length and normally weigh less than one pound
Roof rat
muzzle is relatively pointed
ears and eyes are large
Roof rat
tail is longer than the combined length of the head and body, and has more hair
Roof rat
body length usually does not exceed 3.5 inches, maximum weight is around 1 ounce, and has large ears
House mouse
rodents are ____ breeders
prolific
Norway and roof rats become sexually mature at approximately
3 months
continue to breed rest of their lives
Rodent behavior
I. Nocturnal – active at night
II. Stay close to food and water - regardless of food availability
III. Tend to travel in defined runways.
IV. Neophobic - avoid new objects
V. Constant gnawing – most destructive rodent habit, causing significant physical damage.
Senses and Abilities:
sensory acuity
taste, smell, and hearing much more acute than humans
sensitive to light, colors, and motions
colorblind
tactile senses are an important aspect
Senses and Abilities:
memories
rodents also have excellent memories and seldom repeat mistakes
Senses and Abilities:
swimming
all commensal rodents are good swimmers with the Norway rat being the most adept at this activity
Senses and Abilities:
climbing
rodents are among the most agile of all mammals
Senses and Abilities:
burrowing
This activity is demonstrated by all commensal rodents with the Norway rat being most adept at this activity
zoonotic, vector-borne disease caused by bacterium Yersinia pestis and primarily transmitted by the bite of infected fleas found on rodents
Plague
Infects rodents (mice) but do not cause disease
Transmitted to humans via contact with rodent urine, saliva, or aerosolized rodent feces
Hantavirus
Direct Effects:
Attacks on humans
rats can be vicious biters, especially when provoked or hungry
Direct Effects:
Economic Importance
Rodents destroy stored grains and other products.
They are capable of causing damage to infrastructure by gnawing
Usually the first indication of an infestation
rodent feces
Surveillance of rodents
feces
smudge marks/rubs
runs/tracks
gnawing
burrowing
visual observation
odors
sound
pet excitement
IPM for rodents consists of the following:
knowledge, inspection, identification, sanitation, exclusion, trapping, and baiting
cultural control
sanitation
mechanical control
exclusion
traps
Trapping advantages
non-toxic
allow the recovery of the animal
can be more humane
trap that kills the rat
snap trap
where someone else has to kill the rat
live trap
rat is captured by the glue
sticky trap
chemical control
rodenticides
Kill rats with one feeding, very toxic
More effective over multiple feedings
Acute rodenticides
Are more commonly used
Rats must feed multiple times over several days to get a toxic dose and cause mortality
Chronic rodenticides
Air Force policy is that we will not use these. They are very expensive
high frequency sound
ineffective method of control
cats
