SubscriberWrites: Is rodent control possible without impacting non-target wildlife?

Thank you dear subscribers, we are overwhelmed with your response.

Your Turn is a unique section from ThePrint featuring points of view from its subscribers. If you are a subscriber, have a point of view, please send it to us. If not, do subscribe here: https://theprint.in/subscribe/

Rodents, such as rats and mice, are highly proficient invaders, and their connection to the spread of diseases and the destruction they inflict on crops and household items necessitate effective control measures. Regrettably, consumers frequently turn to second-generation anticoagulants as a quick solution.

The detrimental effects of pesticides were recognized first in 1962 when Rachel Carson published Silent Spring and subsequently in numerous studies related to the lethal effects of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides on non-target wildlife. Despite this knowledge, these substances continue to be used till today. 

The big question is “Are there viable alternatives available?” Remember, rodenticides are just one of the methods available and not the sole solution. 

However, before finding a perfect solution, we need to understand the situation holistically. Despite our efforts over many years, the menace of rodents is still on the rise. It’s time to acknowledge that rodents are a crucial part of the broader ecological food web. Therefore, we need to shift our approach from eliminating rodents to managing their population in a controlled manner by supporting predators to have a sustainable ecosystem.

It’s important to remember that while rodents can reproduce rapidly, the population of predator grows at a much slower pace, such as raptors typically producing only 1-2 offspring per year. Therefore, more efforts are required in this direction especially when they are already facing unintended consequences of anticoagulants.

Secondly, it is imperative that we enhance the promotion and education around the advantages of integrated pest management (IPM). While rodenticides may appear to be a convenient short-term solution, IPM offers long-term benefits by adopting an environmentally sensitive approach to rodent management.

This approach encourages responsible preventive practices, including eliminating food sources and entry points, securing trash in containers, sealing holes in building, removing or trimming vegetation, and trapping that prioritize the well-being of both humans and the ecosystem.

Thirdly, what if we could confuse the rodents and confine them to their burrows? A recent study published in Nature Sustainability explored the use of camouflage techniques in agricultural crops to mitigate rodent damage, achieving a success rate of 63%. 

Rodents are attracted to our homes due to the scent of food, what if same scent could be used to guide them away to predator areas further strengthening the ecological food web. 

If rodenticides are deemed necessary, there are alternate options available that are effective and pose minimal risks to non-target wildlife. Cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, is one such alternative. It is a naturally occurring compound and studies have demonstrated that it carries a low risk of secondary poisoning for dogs, cats, mallard ducks, birds, etc. 

A recent study confirmed its low risk of secondary poisoning to barn owls. The treated owls remained healthy without any abnormal behavior or physical changes throughout the entire study period which lasted up to 6 months.

A holistic approach to controlling the rodent population, employing a combination of available methods integrated with IPM principles, has the potential to tackle non target wildlife toxicity caused by second generation anticoagulants rodenticides.

These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.