Field trials of brodifacoum (WBA 8119) against the house mouse (Mus musculus L.)

Abstract

Summary: The anticoagulant rodenticide brodifacoum was tested against house mice (Mus musculus L.) infesting farm buildings. In six trials, treatment success was assessed from the results of census baitings conducted before and after treatment. With 0·005% brodifacoum in canary seed/corn oil bait, the control achieved ranged between 92·7% and 100%, mean 98·8%. Two mouse populations were eradicated in 3 to 4 weeks but a few individuals survived each of the other four treatments which lasted 6 weeks. The effectiveness of brodifacoum against mice is compared with that of 0·1% calciferol and 0·025% warfarin in combination. It is concluded that brodifacoum and calciferol/warfarin are equally effective in controlling M. musculus but that brodifacoum treatments need to be conducted fora relatively longer period.