What Do They Know? Comparing Public Knowledge and Opinions about Rodent Management to the Expectations of Pest Controllers

Attitudes of clients of Dutch pest controllers towards integrated pest management (IPM) and preventive measures in relation to rodent nuisance

BACKGROUND

Rodent management with lethal methods (e.g., rodenticides) comes with downsides for rodent welfare, the environment and non-target species. To reduce chemical use and prevent rodent nuisance, pest controllers in the Netherlands must work according to the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). A condition for the success of IPM is that there is sufficient engagement of all parties involved, including clients of pest controllers. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the attitudes of clients regarding rodent control, IPM and the application of preventive measures. Insight into their attitudes may contribute to a better implementation of IPM and with that to a more sustainable rodent management based on more effective prevention. An online survey among 248 clients of Dutch pest controllers from both the agricultural and other sectors was carried out.

RESULTS

Respondents from the agricultural sector had a relatively negative attitude towards IPM, the new IPM regulations in the Netherlands and had little confidence in prevention. In other sectors, respondents were more positive about IPM and had more confidence in prevention. The respondents from the latter subgroup had a similar attitude compared to Dutch pest controllers who participated in a previous survey.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study provide information for the further development and practical implementation of IPM and preventive measures and with that a more sustainable and animal friendly rodent management. They can also be helpful for a better communication and cooperation between pest controllers and their clients. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Attitudes of clients of Dutch pest controllers towards animal welfare in the management of liminal rodents

Rodent control tends to involve methods that cause animal suffering, but little attention has been paid to the animal welfare implications of rodent control. The aim of the current study was to gain insight into the opinions and attitudes of clients of Dutch pest controllers, regarding liminal rodents, rodent control, and rodent welfare. A better understanding of their attitudes may contribute to more ethical rodent management programmes. An online survey among 248 clients of Dutch pest controllers was carried out. Respondents, especially those within the agricultural sector, have a relatively negative attitude towards rats and mice. Respondents in the agricultural subgroup do not consider the welfare of liminal rodents important. They also think that the welfare impact of commonly used control methods is limited, and they have low tolerance levels for the presence of rodents. Respondents from other sectors have a far more positive attitude towards rats and mice, consider their welfare to be of greater importance, have a greater estimation of the welfare impact of control methods and show greater tolerance levels towards rodents. The respondents from the latter subgroup have a similar attitude compared to Dutch pest controllers participating in a previous survey. The findings of the current study firstly provide useful information for the further development and practical implementation of preventive control methods. Secondly, they provide input for a more animal-friendly rodent control and for the development of an assessment framework to support ethical decision-making. Finally, they can be helpful for further research and the communication and co-operation between professional pest controllers and their clients.

Large-scale identification of rodenticide resistance in Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus in the Netherlands based on Vkorc1 codon 139 mutations

BACKGROUND

Resistance to rodenticides has been reported globally and poses a considerable problem for efficacy in pest control. The most-documented resistance to rodenticides in commensal rodents is associated with mutations in the Vkorc1 gene, in particular in codon 139. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides has been reported in the Netherlands since 1989. A study from 2013 showed that 25% of 169 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) had a mutation at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene. To gain insight in the current status of rodenticide resistance amongst R. norvegicus and house mice Mus musculus in the Netherlands, we tested these rodents for mutations in codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene. In addition, we collected data from pest controllers on their use of rodenticides and experience with rodenticide resistance.

RESULTS

A total of 1801 rodent samples were collected throughout the country consisting of 1404 R. norvegicus and 397 M. musculus. In total, 15% of R. norvegicus [95% confidence interval (CI): 13-17%] and 38% of M. musculus (95% CI: 33-43%) carried a genetic mutation at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates genetic mutations at codon 139 of the Vkorc1 gene in M. musculus in the Netherlands. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides is present in R. norvegicus and M. musculus in multiple regions in the Netherlands. The results of this comprehensive study provide a baseline and facilitate trend analyses of Vkorc1 codon 139 mutations and evaluation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies as these are enrolled in the Netherlands. © 2022 The Dutch Pest and Wildlife. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.