CONTROL OF RODENT PESTS
RODENTS
Effective management of combating and preventing all kinds of rodents.
DALCOCHEM S.A., after many years of experience in rodent control applications, offers comprehensive studies and ensures the protection of your premises from rodents. Rodents comprise of an order of placental mammals, which includes many species. The main species of mice are Rattus norvegicus (Brown Rat), Rattus rattus (Black Rat) and Mus musculus (house mouse). All the three species are particularly widespread in Greece.
RATTUS NORVEGICUS
This species gives birth to 8-12 runts, which are amenable to fertilization after 2 to 3 months, often earlier. On average the female gives birth 7 times per year, with a lifespan that can exceed 12 months. It has a large robust body, with brown, slightly black fur on top and gray to yellowish-white on the underside. The average body weight for adults is 300 grams and its body length ranges from 19 to 25 cm. Generally, it moves within a radius of 15-30m from the nest.
RATTUS RATTUS
This species gives birth to 6-10 runts, with a maturity duration similar to that of R. norvegicus. The female gives birth 6 times per year and the lifespan of the species is similar to that of R. norvegicus. It has a smaller body than R. norvegicus, with gray to black fur. The average body weight of an adult is 200 grams and the body length is 15-22cm. It has a long radius of action ranging from 15-30m from the nest.
MUS MUSCULUS
It gives birth to 5-6 runts, with a “maturation” of 1 to 2 months. The female gives birth 8 times per year and the lifespan for this species is 9-12 months. It has a thin and small body, with light brown to light gray fur. The average body weight is 15 grams and the body length 6-9cm. It has a small and localized radius of action ranging from 3-6m from the nest.
Most rodent species are carriers of serious diseases, including salmonellosis, plague, typhoid fever and some forms of encephalitis. They also cause serious food contamination and allergies while they are carriers of parasites such as mites, nematodes, cestodes and insects. Rodents may also cause serious destruction and damage to electrical and building installations.
A successful rodent control involves the use of appropriate products in various methods, to either solve a problem or in some cases prevent the infection before it develops. In general, several steps are required to carry out a Rodent Control application.
Initially it is carried out an in-situ autopsy and inspection. The information collected is about the use of the area (food factory, general warehouse etc.), the condition of the infrastructure and premises, the presence of rodent breeding sites and the presence of rodent activity findings, the identification of the rodent species (if any), the writing of a pest (rodent) control study with determination of the correct baiting sites and selection of the appropriate bait, implementation of a specific schedule of visits and controls of the bait stations in order to record the mobility of rodents and immediate corrective actions in cases of rodent outbreaks.
Last but not least, protection is the most essential measure. Specifically, the protection of people, flora and fauna, the environment, the equipment and all food products.
For an effective rodent management, it is crucial that both parties involved know their roles, responsibilities and obligations.
