Bird-repellent effects on bait efficacy for control of invasive mammal pests

Abstract

Anthraquinone is not suitable for inclusion in bait for rat control at the concentrations tested, and also presents some risk to efficacy for possum control. D-pulegone would be suitable for inclusion in bait for possums and rats, but problems related to its volatility in bait manufacture and storage would need to be overcome. Further studies should focus on an alternative secondary repellent, or on establishing the maximum anthraquinone concentration that does not reduce efficacy for rats and testing whether or not that concentration is sufficient to repel native birds from baits reliably.

An Evaluation of Potential Repellents for Botta's Pocket Gopher

“…It is being looked at as a potential addition to rodenticides to reduce the consumption of rodenticide baits by non-target birds (Cowan et al 2015). However, for rats, it acted as a rodent repellent even at very low concentrations (Cowan et al 2015). In our study, however, it did not repel gophers even at a concentration of 25%.…”

“…We also tested anthraquinone, which is a registered bird repellent. It is being looked at as a potential addition to rodenticides to reduce the consumption of rodenticide baits by non-target birds (Cowan et al 2015). However, for rats, it acted as a rodent repellent even at very low concentrations (Cowan et al 2015).…”

Review of anthraquinone applications for pest management and agricultural crop protection

“…Extensive testing has been conducted in New Zealand to ensure brush‐tailed possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula , Kerr) and black rat ( Rattus rattus , L.) kills remain high when AQ treatments are used to protect birds. Baits treated with 400–1000 mg AQ kg −1 generally did not prevent consumption of lethal or non‐lethal baits by possums . However, rats ( Rattus rattus L.) have demonstrated some repellency for AQ‐treated baits and thus decreased mortality in lethal baiting programs …”

“…Baits treated with 400–1000 mg AQ kg −1 generally did not prevent consumption of lethal or non‐lethal baits by possums . However, rats ( Rattus rattus L.) have demonstrated some repellency for AQ‐treated baits and thus decreased mortality in lethal baiting programs …”

“…95 -97 However, rats (Rattus rattus L.) have demonstrated some repellency for AQ-treated baits and thus decreased mortality in lethal baiting programs. 96,97 As a biopesticide, natural sources of AQ have been identified as insecticides and insect repellents. For example, the heartwood of teak (Tectona grandis, L.f ) is known for its durability against termites owing largely to the presence of various AQs.…”