DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Title

EVALUATION OF ZINC PHOSPHIDE BAIT FOR POCKET GOPHER CONTROL ON FOREST LAND

Authors

Victor G. Barnes Jr., U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1027 NW Trenton Avenue, Bend, Oregon 97701
Richard M. Anthony, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1027 NW Trenton Avenue, Bend, Oregon 97701
James Evans, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1027 NW Trenton Avenue, Bend, Oregon 97701
Gerald D. Lindsey, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1027 NW Trenton Avenue, Bend, Oregon 97701

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

February 1982

Laboratory bioassays and field tests were conducted to determine if zinc phosphide baits would control pocket gophers in forest plantations. Zinc phosphide baits generally were less effective than the strychnine alkaloid-oat bait commonly used by forest managers to control gophers. However, a carrot bait with 0.75% zinc phosphide showed potential as a substitute for strychnine. Size of carrot bait and grooming activity of gophers were identified as important factors affecting efficacy of baits.