Municipal Rodent IPM Working Group
Urban rodents, specifically rats, represent a persistent challenge for municipalities. To combat rodent problems and respond to resident complaints, municipalities undertake large-scale management. Interestingly, despite the shared challenges of developing and executing these programs, there is no formal coalition dedicated to advancing the science and implementation of municipal rodent management across the United States or worldwide. In addition, there are only a handful of technical resources intentionally designed for this important audience, with most rodent management information geared toward the private professional pest management industry. Furthermore, subject area experts that have experience and knowledge of implementing rodent management at any scale are similarly rare. Therefore, the Municipal Rodent IPM Working Group was convened to facilitate communication between municipal rodent managers and incorporate the knowledge of experts with practical skills and pest behavioral insights, such as industry representatives (manufacturers, consultants, and applicators), and academicians. Since its inception, the Working Group has been well-received by stakeholders.