EFFECTS OF CS₂-STARCH XANTHATE ON CONSUMPTION BY RATS

Authors

Ann E. Koehler, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control, Denver Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Mark E. Tobin, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control, Denver Wildlife Research Center
Robert T. Sugffiara, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control, Denver Wildlife Research Center

Date of this Version

February 1994

Abstract

We conducted a series of preliminary feeding trials with Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), roof rats (/?. rattus), and Polynesian rats (R. exulans) to examine the effects of carbon disulfide (CS2) on consumption of nontoxic foods. We formulated CS₂ at target concentrations of 10 ppm in deionized water, and of 50 ppm to 100,000 ppm in a starch xanthate matrix. However, we did not analyze actual concentrations of CS₂ in the test foods or measure its rate of volatilization, and thus cannot verify the levels of CSj the rats were exposed to. CS₂ diluted in water and applied directly to food had no apparent effect on consumption by any of the species. Formulations with 50 ppm CS2 in starch xanthate influenced food choice by Norway rats and roof rats in one test, but not in another. Concentrations ^ 10,000 ppm repelled Norway rats. CS₂-starch xanthate had little effect on consumption by Polynesian rats. Further testing is needed to develop effective formulations and delivery methods for utilizing CS₂ as a bait additive.