Efficacy of Difenacoum Bait Formulations against Semi-wild and Wild Rattus Rattus From Three Different Global Locations

Abstract:
Rattus rattus is considered to have a less omnivorous diet than R. norvegicus, preferring fruit, seeds and grains. Therefore, the efficacy of existing commercial (Sorex) difenacoum rodenticide bait formulations against R. rattus was uncertain and studies were undertaken to determine their efficacy. The difenacoum bait formulations tested were one of the following a pellet, a paste, a gel, a wax block or an oat based bait. The rats used in the studies were either wild or semi-wild and in either a semi-natural (simulated use) or natural (field trial) environment at three different global locations. The results establish that the Sorex difenacoum-based formulations will provide good to excellent control of R. rattus in the field. The comparative performance of the baits can be attributed to their different composition and physical features and the general food preferences of the R. rattus.