Identification | Biology | Damage ID | Management | Handling
Overview of Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Habitat Modification
- Remove dense cover
Exclusion
- Sheet metal barrier around high value crops
Frightening
- None are effective at this time
Repellents
- None are registered for repelling cotton rats.
Toxicants
- Zinc phosphide, limited to sugar cane fields
Shooting
- Not practical
Trapping
- Live traps
- Rat-sized snap traps
Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Habitat Modification
Remove dense cover by burning, mowing, plowing, or the use of herbicides to reduce habitat and prevent large population increases. Habitat modification is best as a preventive measure, since this control method will have little effect on the ensuing damage once a population reaches its peak
Exclusion
If the area is small or the crop to be protected is of high value, a sheet-metal barrier 18 inches (46 cm) tall may be used to exclude cotton rats. Bury the barrier about 6 inches (15 cm) to prevent cotton rats from burrowing under it.
Frightening
No frightening devices are effective at this time.
Repellents
None are registered for repelling cotton rats.
Toxicants
Only zinc phosphide (2% active ingredient) is currently registered and being marketed for cotton rat control, and its use is limited to sugarcane fields. When applying toxic bait, lightly scatter teaspoon quantities in the rats’ runways at 12- to 30-foot (3.6- to 9-m) intervals according to label instructions.
Fumigants are not very practical because cotton rats use their burrows and tunnels infrequently. Since state pesticide registrations vary, check with the local extension office or state wild-life agency for information on repellents, toxicants, and fumigants in your area.
Shooting
Shooting is not an effective way to control cotton rats.
Trapping
Small rodent live traps or rat-sized snap traps are effective for catching a small number of animals. The traps should be baited with a mixture of peanut butter and oatmeal or a piece of fresh carrot or sweet potato. The trap should be set in the runway at a right angle to the direction of travel.