Laboratory trials of seven rodenticides for use against the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus)

The efficacy of seven rodenticides for use against Sigmodon hispidus was investigated in the laboratory. The poisons (warfarin, coumatetralyl, difenacoum, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, calciferol and zinc phosphide) were all toxic at the concentrations normally used against Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus and all were palatable. Trials are now needed to confirm the efficacy of these poisons in the field, but it seems likely that, if used in suitable bait formulations, they would all be useful for the practical control of S. hispidus.