Urban resident attitudes toward rodents,rodent control products,and environmental effects |
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Authors: | Anita T Morzillo Angela G Mertig |
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Institution: | (1) Western Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97330, USA;(2) Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU Box 10, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA;(3) Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, 321 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA |
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Abstract: | Rodent control in urban areas can result in the inadvertent mortality of non-target species (e.g., bobcats). However, there
is little detailed information from urban residents about rodent control practices. We evaluated urban rodent control behaviors
in two areas of California (southwestern Bakersfield and in proximity to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SAMO))
where biologists have observed non-target mortality among carnivores resulting from exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides.
Using a mail survey instrument, we asked residents about rodent control practices including products used and application,
attitudes toward rodents, and concern about non-target mortality. Forty-one percent of Bakersfield (response rate = 20%) and
59% of SAMO (response rate = 31%) respondents reported rodent or other animal control on their property. Snap traps and anticoagulants
were the most commonly used physical and chemical control products, respectively. Many respondents were unsure whether (12%
Bakersfield; 17% SAMO) or which (39% Bakersfield; 46% SAMO) chemical products were used on their property. When told of possible
non-target effects, a majority of respondents were either very or somewhat concerned. Attitudes toward rodents were relatively
negative across all respondents. Respondents who applied control products themselves (as opposed to a third party) were most
supportive of ensuring availability of rodent control products. Our results suggest that residents do not readily connect
their personal or household activities with larger environmental effects, and highlight potential focal areas for policy evaluation
related to wildlife management, such as providing explicit information about potential environmental effects of rodent control
products. |
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