Mitigating neophobia behaviour of Bandicota bengalensis in accepting poison bait and traps using sulphur compounds as additives

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the potential of five different sulphur compounds, namely carbon disulphide, dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethyl sulphide, allyl sulphide, and dimethyl disulphide as bait additives in mitigating neophobia behaviour of Bandicota bengalensis towards poison bait and traps. The efficacy of different concentrations (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 ppm) of each of the sulphur compounds in enhancing bait acceptance was evaluated by exposing them to rats in a laboratory setting. The results showed significantly higher acceptance of bait containing 5 ppm concentration of all the compounds. Moreover, exposure of bait mixed with 5 ppm of all the compounds under multi-choice condition in radial maze revealed higher consumption by female rats of bait admixed with carbon disulphide, while male rats consumed the baits containing carbon disulphide and dimethyl sulphide to a greater extent. Female rats showed significantly higher acceptance (76.22%) of 2% zinc phosphide bait admixed with 5 ppm of carbon disulphide while male rats showed significantly higher acceptance of 2% zinc phosphide bait admixed with carbon disulphide (70.83%) and dimethyl sulphide (60.28%). Field experiments showed that 2% zinc phosphide bait mixed with 50 ppm carbon disulphide significantly reduced rodent activity in wheat crop fields. In laboratory and semi-field conditions, carbon disulphide at a concentration of 5 ppm and, in crop fields, at a concentration of 50 ppm, increased the efficacy of multi-catch traps for B. bengalensis. The study suggests that using carbon disulphide can enhance poison bait acceptance and trapping, thereby mitigating neophobia behaviour and improving rodent control success.