An Innovation in Roof Rat Control

W i t h i n the past ten years, the roof rat (Rattus rattus) problem in residential Santa Clara County has developed from an i n s i g n i f i c a n t nuisance to one of major concern. When a considerable number of complaints to the Santa C l a r a County Health Department reported roof rats on telephone cables, a study was made of 29 c i t y blocks to determine the f e a s i b i l i t y of u t i l i t y pole b a i t i n g as a means of roof rat control. In the b a i t i n g process, rat signs were commonly observed on telephone equipment attached to the u t i l i t y poles. A correlation was observed between b a i t consumption and the close proximity of vegetation to the telephone cable clamp. B a i t consumption p r o f i l e s on most blocks demonstrated patterns which resembled a c t i v i t y ranges. D u r i n g the study approximately 190 two ounce b a i t blocks were consumed and many dead roof rats were found by the Health Department and residents l i v i n g in the baited areas. The procedure appears to be an effective means of population reduction and has the potential of long range effectiveness.