Managing Urban Fauna: Engaging Citizens And Modifying Habitats To Reduce Rodenticide Use, A First Report On Rattus norvegicus Management In Genoa

The local Animal Office, in synergy with "Il Rastrello" (Pest Control Company), has prepared a protocol that includes several targeted actions, which cannot be limited to the use of rodenticide baits but managing the habitat to reduce proliferation. 1st Action: mapping of the critical issues present in the identified areas, based on reports from citizens. 2nd Action: use of an emergency response team for rat-proofing actions.3rd Action: rodenticide integration phase, through innovative mechanical and technological systems.4th Action: replacement of rodenticide bait with virtual bait in the absence of consumption, change of dispenser model in the most critical points. 5th Action: coordination between offices for the continuation of synergistic actions, combined with communication to the population of the actions implemented and the results obtained.The application of this protocol has given excellent results, leading in some cases to the total eradication of the problem, as well as to a significant decrease in the use of poison and a more ethical approach.