By Dr. Chris Keefer, Technical Services Representative, Syngenta Professional Pest Management The three most encountered rodents in urban environments are the house mouse (Mus domesticus), the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the roof rat (Rattus rattus). Customer communication is a critical step toward successfully controlling these rodents. It’s imperative to know, understand and ask appropriate questions before and after a thorough inspection. Ask about the following to help you better understand the entire situation: - When and where rodent activity started
- Signs of rodent activity, such as visual sightings, fecal material, urine stains, odors, tracks, rub marks, burrows, runways and any rodent-related noises
- Sanitation practices and issues, including how often the area is deep cleaned
- The history of the structure, including any structural issues
- The history of rodent management at the structure
- Turf, tree and shrub management practices
- Dumpster and trash receptacle locations
When specifically dealing with a commercial account, you should also ask the customer: - What the surrounding businesses are
- What the frequency of deliveries is
- If they can share a diagram or blueprint of the structure
- If inspection aisles can be created so you can properly inspect and place rodent management devices as needed
After conducting an inspection, communicate your findings in writing, verbally and with pictures and videos (if allowed). Sanitation, exclusion, mechanical and chemical control can all be used to implement a successful integrated pest management plan. If rodents are discovered and chemical control is needed, Talon® Weatherblok® XT rodenticide from Syngenta is designed to provide effective rodent control, even in harsh conditions. With the active ingredient brodifacoum in a highly palatable formulation, it can control rodents with a single feeding. For more information about effective rodent control, contact your local Syngenta territory manager.  References:
Bennett, G. W., J. M. Owens, and R. M. Corrigan. 1997. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Advanstar Communications Inc., Cleveland, OH.
Corrigan, R. M. 2001. Rodent Control A Practical Guide for Pest Management Professionals. GIE Media, Cleveland, OH.
Ebelling, Walter. 1975. Urban Entomology. University of California Division of Agricultural Sciences. Los Angeles, CA.
Mallis, A. 1990. Handbook of Pest Control. Franzak and Foster Co., Cleveland, OH. © 2023 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. For Life Uninterrupted™, Talon®, Weatherblok® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368). |