ABSTRACT
Research needs concerning the efficaciousness of rodenticides are many. The literature is full of improper laboratory testing procedures, especially when comparisons are made between acute and first and second generation anticoagulants. Most anticoagulants are very toxic in pure form. More research is needed to determine what the minimum effective concentration of various rodenticides is to use with different rodent species, since the concentration often depends on the method of application and application rate. Much research is needed to find ways of improving bait acceptance by the target rodents. More research is needed to distinguish between bait shyness and toxicant shyness with the different rodenticides. Electric barriers around rice research plots have proven effective, but they are costly with high maintenance requirements. More research is needed on how to encourage natural predators in agricultural areas as part of integrated pest control programs.
