Comparison of 0.005% and 0.01% diphacinone and chlorophacinone baits for controlling California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi)

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Contents Vol 34(1)

doi:10.1071/WR06092

Comparison of 0.005% and 0.01% diphacinone and chlorophacinone baits for controlling California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi)

Terrell P. Salmon ^A ^D, Desley A. Whisson ^B ^C, Are R. Berentsen ^A, W. Paul Gorenzel ^B

^A University of California, Cooperative Extension, 5555 Overland Drive, Suite 4101, San Diego, CA 92123, USA.
^B Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
^C Present address: Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia, PO Box 39, Kingscote, SA 5223, Australia.
^D Corresponding author. Email: tpsalmon@ucdavis.edu





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Wildlife Research 34(1) 14–18 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WR06092
Submitted: 27 July 2006 Accepted: 13 December 2006 Published online: 27 February 2007

Abstract

Abstract. Diphacinone and chlorophacinone, first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, are frequently used for control of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) in agricultural and rangeland areas in California, USA. Owing to growing concerns over the risks to non-target species associated with the use of these rodenticides, the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed that the concentration of baits for above-ground use should be reduced from 0.01% to 0.005% active ingredient. We conducted field trials to compare the efficacy of 0.005% and 0.01% chlorophacinone and diphacinone baits in broadcast and spot applications for control of California ground squirrels on rangeland. We found no significant difference in efficacy owing to bait type, concentration or application method. Repeat testing is needed in other habitat types (e.g. crop areas) where alternative foods might reduce the effectiveness of a 0.005% bait application.