On the Red Squill Powder (Drimia maritima) As a Botanical Rodenticide; a Preliminary Study on Wild Rattus norvegicus in Ankara Province

Abstract

Rodents constitute an essential place among pest-vector animals; they also have the potential to cause economic losses and health problems. The Red squill plant, which contains scilliroside, especially in its bulbs, has been known as a rodenticide since the early 20th century. However, little research reveals the Red squill’s potential as a rodenticide. For this purpose, we produced the baits, including different amounts of red squill powder with peanut butter, and we applied them on Rattus norvegicus in the field in Ankara province and in laboratory conditions. In field studies, it was determined that there was no feed avoidance behavior against the bait containing 25 % or below Red squill powder corresponding to 400 mg kg. In laboratory trials, it was found that if Red squill is not covered with suitable material, such as paraffin wax, it deteriorates rapidly and loses its effectiveness due to contact with air. The food contains between 15 – 25 % dried Red squill powder, corresponding to 400 mg/kg, which was found to cause 50 % and more mortality percentages, and it is suitable to apply as a rodenticide.