Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection

 

Title

Jerry P. Clark

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

March 1992

Acrolein (MagnacideŽ H) is currently registered in California as an aquatic herbicide. Field tests were conducted to evaluate its efficacy as a ground squirrel burrow fumigant. Treatments consisted of applying either 20 cc or 40 cc of acrolein (92%) per burrow opening with a specially constructed probe connected to a hose which ran to a cylinder mounted on a pickup truck. The burrow opening was plugged at the time of the application. Burrows in the control plot were plugged in the same manner. Dig-outs and open burrows overlooked during the initial application were re-treated the following day. Both rates of acrolein showed a substantial reduction in the ground squirrel population, in excess of 90%, when adjusted for changes in the population in the control plot. The results appear very encouraging with further field testing warranted.