Comparative Efficacy of Rodenticides for Prairie Dog Control

Author(s): Schmit, Thomas | Abstract: Rangeland owners and managers control populations of black-tailed prairie dogs for many reasons, but chiefly to preserve rangeland value for raising livestock. Several control options are available, but toxic baits are likely to offer the most economical and effective control. Baits are currently available with zinc phosphide and anticoagulant active ingredients, which have different chemical and toxicological characteristics. Field trials indicate that users may experience variations in the efficacy of the different baits, and further investigation is needed to identify the factors that influence these variations.