Rodent Research and Education, 2018

Abstract

Rodent pests affect people in a variety of ways, from causing structural damage and contaminating food, to spreading disease. To reduce human-rodent interactions requires knowledge of rodent behavior and biology. The NYS IPM Program collaborates with researchers, public health officials, pest management professionals, manufacturers, and the public to generate and disseminate information that is intended to increase adoption and implementation of integrated rodent management. In 2018, work continued on a research project designed to understand and improve rodent management practices at food distribution centers. A partner (Hank Hirsch, RK Environmental Services, LLC) was identified that granted access to sites in the New York Metropolitan area. Working with Regional Operations Managers from RK Environmental, data on device placement and rodent activity was collected at seven sites. The IPM Program also reached over 1900 individuals in face-to-face and virtual presentations on rodent management, prepared an article for a pest management trade magazine, and developed new resources to help homeowners utilize snap traps.