The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has called on Nigerians to be very cautious when using rodenticides (or rat poisons) as the only rodents control measure in their buildings and vicinity, especially in the wake of the Lassa fever outbreak.
PECAN anticipates that many Nigerians will rush to procure rodenticides, which are brazenly displayed on roadsides and shops by quacks as the fears of Lassa fever epidemic spread across the country. These toxic materials must be used with care.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Ayo Ogunyadeka, President, PECAN said that to effectively combat Lassa fever, active rodent control is best conducted using an Integrated Pest Management Approach (IPM) that includes both chemical and non chemical methods.
He emphasised that IPM is a long term sustainable system of control.
Ogunyadeka explained that rodent control principles should be implemented.
Some of these principles he mentioned includes keeping the rats away, placing restrictions, monitoring and destroying the rats.
According to Ogunyadeka, “Households should take care to inspect incoming materials for rodent excreta or any signs of gnawing and chewing on the containers; mice can nest inside pallets of goods received.
Ensure good structural integrity and barriers. Avoid holes in the building and in homes, proof doors with brush strips (gap of less than 10mm can allow entrance of mice), wire mesh over windows and ventilator grilles should be in place, trap drains (rats).”
He noted that another effective way to rodent control is the removal of internal feeding sites: clear up spillage immediately, avoid overflowing waste bins, and avoid standing water.
Ogunyadeka suggested that Nigerians cultivate good cleaning routines and remove damaged containers and products.
on the monitoring technique, he advised that Nigerians monitor simple signs that give indications of an infestation. For example, look out for rodent droppings take notes of footprints or tail swipes in dust; gnawing damage, on building fabric, sacks or bait.
“The physical attributes of the animals themselves, dead or alive may indicate the extent of infestations; a young male may be a loner, but a female or juvenile can mean a large population,” he added.
The president stressed that where there is strong evidence of infestations, the use of rodenticides to kill them becomes essential.
He therefore called on Nigerians to study the labels of any rodenticides carefully and ensure that they follow and adhere strictly to the instructions.
Ifeoma Okeke
