Abstract
Rodent repellents are chemicals which by taste or odour or possibly by both will prevent animal from feeding or gnawing. Such substances may be used in protecting an area from rodent infestation or in protecting packaged food, packing materials, electric cables, and other important vulnerable materials. Mature and healthy house rat, Rattus rattus of both sexes, was exposed to 5, 10, and 20% eucalyptus oil applied as spray in laboratory pens in bichoice tests. Each concentration was applied through three different modes of application, that is, daily, once, and alternatively in a week. Repellent effect of the oil was assessed based on food consumption from treated and untreated sides for four days. In overall, food consumption was significantly (P < 0.0001) low from treatment side compared to the untreated side indicating significant repellent effect of the oil at all the three concentrations tested. Repellent effect of the oil was, however, not found to differ significantly between the two sexes. Percent repellency in both male and female rats was apparently more with daily application of 5 and 10% eucalyptus oil. Present studies reveal the potential of eucalyptus oil in repelling away R. rattus; however, further studies may be conducted to enhance the persistence of repellent effect for longer period of time.
Highlights
Rodents have gained the reputation as one of the most persistent and ubiquitous vertebrate pests affecting human populations
Statistical analysis of the data revealed in overall significantly (P < 0.0001) low consumption of food from treatment side compared to untreated side at all three concentrations and modes of application (Tables 1–3) indicating repellency of eucalyptus oil when applied as spray
Significant difference in food consumption from treatment side was observed among all three concentrations tested (P = 0.0186)
Summary
Rodents have gained the reputation as one of the most persistent and ubiquitous vertebrate pests affecting human populations They cause economic problems because of the damage they inflict on agricultural systems [1, 2], environmental problems due to the chemicals used for their control [3], social problems associated with their close proximity to human habitation [4], and health problems as carriers of zoonoses [5,6,7]. It inflicts heavy damage to stored food and have nuisance value being a disease carrier or vector. Botanicals have advantages over broad-spectrum conventional pesticides They affect only target pest and closely related organisms, are effective in very small quantities, decompose quickly, and provide the residue-free food and a safe environment to live. Natural products represent one of the most important alternatives to control pests and diseases that affect plants and animals without deleteriously affecting environmental safety [10,11,12]
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