Integrated Rat Control
To control rats successfully, four main elements must be considered:
- Application of control technology which is appropriate to the ecosystem and the stage of the rice crop;
- Continuous monitoring and control; and,
- Good organization, to make sure all local farmers are carrying out monitoring and control.
- Farmers should also be aware of the biology and population dynamics activities of rats, so their control methods are suitable.
Rat control can be carried out in two ways, habitat management and population control. Both methods can be used together in a system of integrated pest management (IPM). This must be carried out by coordinated and well-organized groups of local farmers.
Habitat Management
Rats prefer to live in overgrown places beneath shrubs and bushes. Rat populations can grow rapidly under favorable conditions, if food is available throughout the years. To control rats, the habitat must be controlled and managed in such a way that it is unfavorable for rats.
Habitat management can be performed in the following ways.
- r Synchronized planting of the rice fields covering an area of around 25 ha, or the working area of one farmers' group.
- r Sanitation of rice fields and the area around them. Bushes, shrubs, and wild grasses growing near the rice fields must be removed. This sanitation must be thoroughly carried out.
- r Plant spacing. A wider spacing between the rice plants creates a more open habitat which is less favorable to rats. The system of "legowo" (Rice-fish Intercropping (see Practical Technology leaflet PT2001-7) is the best choice (Fig. 1). By applying this system, not only is the rice field likely to be free of rats, but the rice yield will be around
- 7.5 mt/ha.
Population Control
Techniques of population control can take several forms, applied separately or together.
Fencing
A plaited rattan trap fence should be built around the rice field. The three components in controlling rats using this system are:
- Planting trap crops;
- Using fences made of plastic (Fig. 2), and,
- Traps made of steel wire fitted into plaited rattan (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).
Trap Crops and Trap Fences
Trap crops are planted two or three weeks before the rice or other major crop. Based on the number of rats caught, a plaited rattan trap fence system is highly effective. The technology has good prospects for widespread use, especially in areas where rat populations are high, because it is simple, environmentally friendly, and effective (Fig. 4).
Placing Bamboo Tubes in the Rice Field
These are placed 5-10 m away from the bund (i.e. the levee around the rice field).
Sulfur Fumes
Fumes from burning sulfur should be guided into active holes of rats in the bunds.
Mass Hunting
"Gropyokan" (mass hunting by a group of farmers) is effective if it is performed and coordinated well. The appropriate time to carry out mass hunting is after harvest or when rice fields are being tilled.
Release of Owls
Owls released into rice field areas give good control of rats (see Practical Technology leaflet PT2002-5).
Index of Images
Figure 1 Rat-Proof Fences and Traps Used with &Quot;Legowo&Quot; System
Figure 2 A Combination of Plastic Fences and Trap Crops Is Effective in Reducing the Level of Infestation.
Figure 3 Farmer with Wire Trap Full of Rats
Figure 4 Trapped Rats in Cage <BR> <BR>
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