DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Title

EVALUATION OF URBAN RODENT INFESTATIONS—AN APPROACH IN NEPAL

Authors

Stephen C. Frantz, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
John P. Comings, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

March 1976

Studies in urban areas have shown that food and shelter are primary environmental factors regulating rodent population growth. These supportive resources can be modified to reduce urban rodent damage; however, widespread adoption of environmental control techniques will require a thorough understanding of rodent-man interrelationships. This study was concerned with what factors should be monitored for making rational ecological decisions on the necessity of rodent management, establishment of priorities, choice of appropriate strategies and evaluation of effectiveness. Guidelines are given for comprehensive monitoring of habitats (social, structural and sanitary factors) and rodent populations (habitat requirements, growth characteristics and zoonosis potential).