Rodents are a diverse group of mammals belonging to the order Rodentia, which includes over 2,000 species. They are characterized by a set of prominent incisor teeth that continuously grow throughout their lives. These incisors are adapted for gnawing and are a defining feature of rodents. Today we at Snell Scientifics would like to take a quick look at rodents in general and how we test repellents and traps.
What are the Major Problems of Rodents?
Rodents are found on every continent except Antarctica and have successfully adapted to various environments, from forests and grasslands to urban areas. Some well-known rodent species include mice, rats, squirrels, beavers, and hamsters. One of the key characteristics of rodents is their reproductive rate. They have short gestation periods and typically produce multiple offspring in each litter. This prolific breeding strategy has contributed to their global distribution and population success. Rodents play important roles in ecosystems as both herbivores and prey for various predators. They are also known to have significant economic and ecological impacts. While some species are beneficial for seed dispersal and soil aeration, others can be destructive agricultural pests or carriers of diseases. Rodents are a diverse group of mammals known for their continuously growing incisor teeth, adaptability to various habitats, and rapid reproduction rates. They occupy essential niches in ecosystems and have both positive and negative impacts on human activities and the environment.
What is the Best Rodent Control Method?
Snell Scientifics offers a comprehensive range of testing methods to assist in validating and refining formulations from initial concept to its finalization. Our process begins with the utilization of our single-rodent choice system, allowing for the simultaneous testing of 20-30 specimens, enabling rapid data collection. Once the product has demonstrated efficacy in our single-rodent (mouse or rat) choice test, we provide access to highly realistic real-world testing methodologies. One such approach is our Crawlspace Simulation test, designed to mimic rodent behavior as they acclimate to outdoor environments near residential properties. This test assesses the repellent’s ability to deter rodents from entering crawlspaces. Additionally, we offer a test scenario in which two interconnected buildings are employed. Rodents are acclimated in one building while we monitor and prevent their migration into the treated second building. Finally, we can conduct extensive area-wide repellency testing within our expansive outdoor infested fields, each measuring a remarkable 100’x100′. We offer a wide array of test methods to help you evaluate your rodent snap traps and glueboards. The most common method is to use our infested buildings to compare 2 different traps to determine which is best under normal conditions. We offer a simple environment in which only pallets are in the center of the room. But we also offer a wide array of lab methods in which we determine the core elements of your traps which are causing any lack of performance. For glueboards, we have methods to determine if the glue formula is allowing a higher rate of ‘pull-off’, if there is any attractancy or repellency from the odor of glue, or the tack rate of the glue. We can also test glues for temperature extreme limits to see if they will run in trucks or warehouses, and how they perform under cold conditions. For snap traps we also have ways of determining the core problems with a design such as bite force, hold force, activation performance, and escape rates.
