DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Title

AN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO ROOF RAT CONTROL IN OCEANFRONT RIPRAP, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Authors

Daniel P. Claffey, Moorpark Mosquito Abatement District, Moorpark, California
Minoo B. Madon, Vector Surveillance and Control Branch, Los Angeles, California
Randall T. Smith, County of Ventura, Ventura, California

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

March 1986

During the summer months of 1979, public agencies in Ventura County received complaints which pointed to a rodent infestation of campground areas along the north coastal strip. Investigations revealed a widespread infestation of oceanfront riprap by roof rats (Rattus rattus). Visual surveillance, trapping, baiting and population-estimating techniques and results are described and discussed. Implementation of integrated pest management practices resulted in the reduction of rat populations to a no-complaint level and provided a framework for a long-term maintenance program.