Journal of Pest Science (2006) 79, 255-258

R. Selvaraj and G. Archunan (2006)
Efficacy of male scent glands and urine in masking poison bait odour in female house rats, Rattus rattus
Journal of Pest Science 79 (4), 255-258
Abstract: Experiments were carried out to possibly reduce bait shyness of female house rats by masking the poison (rodenticide-Zn₃P₂) with male pheromonal gland secretions, i.e. preputial/cheek glands and urine. The poison bait mixed with the extract of preputial and cheek glands, and urine was found to be effective in masking poison bait shyness. Preputial and cheek gland extracts cumulatively mixed with poison bait increased the poison bait consumption and consequently the mortality of female rats. The results reveal that among three pheromone sources, preputial gland extract was the most effective followed by urine and cheek gland extract. The results further reveal that the urine and glandular secretion from male origin may have the ability to increase the poison bait acceptance in female rats probably by altering the taste memory by pheromone odours.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rattus rattus