Bio-efficacy of difethialone, a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, for the control of poison shy rodents

Abstract

An expcriment was conducted during 2002 to evaluate bio-cfficacy of difethialone, a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, for the control of poison shy rodents. It was found quite effective in the management of poison shy rodents (Tatera indica and Rattus rattus). A 100% mortality of poison shy T. indica and R. rattus was recored in reduced time, ie 4.1-4.80 and 3.6-4.4 days, respectively, compared with the control set where 100%o mortality of these rodents was achieved in 7.9 and 5.94 days, respectively. Moreover, in both the test species higher intake ofzinc phosphid'e recorded reduced mean days to dcath after difethialone baiting. The difethialone (0.0025%) baiting can be successfully integrated as a follow-up measure alters zinc phosphide treatmcnt for managing the poison shy population of T. indica and R. rattus.