Denial of re-entry (batproofing) through structural modification is widely accepted as the most effective and ecologically sound method for eliminating commensal bats from structures. Such methods are clearly superior to lethal measures which have only questionable efficacy and may exacerbate bat/human interactions. However, since bats are able to enter small and obscure openings, conventional batproofing of all such openings is often not practical or economical. Further since this work must usually be done after bats have already begun roosting in a structure, the difficulty of high ladder work at night to seal exit holes can be discouraging to homeowners as well as to pest control operators. A few exclusion devices have been developed previously, but are not readily adaptable to the frequent situation where bats are using diffuse, large, and/or widely distributed exit holes. Polypropylene bird-netting has been field-tested over two seasons as a batproofing tool against little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). In all cases the work was completed either before young were born or after they were able to fly. The netting is fitted as a checkvalve which allows bats to escape from a structure but prevents their re-entry; thus, the netting can be conveniently applied during daylight hours. At dusk, bats easily find their way out, do not become entangled, and are not driven indoors into the living quarters. At dawn, bats return in their typical swarming behavior, repeatedly land on the net, but are unable to find their way around or under it. Several checkvalves designs have been adapted to cover different patterns of exit holes associated with various architectural details. Specific application techniques with bird-netting checkvalves and responses of the bats are discussed in reference to overall bat management programs.

Roughly 50 years ago, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation developed warfarin, the first anticoagulant rodenticide. This product was something close to that desired elusive "magic bullet" of pest management. Warfarin effectively killed rats and mice, required multiple feedings, and had a good margin of safety for non-target species. The widespread adoption of anticoagulants somewhat changed the conduct of rodent control with a shift in interventions toward toxicants and away from education and physical measures. The discovery of warfarin resistance in the United States in Rattus norvegicus in 1971, and later in Mus musculus and Rattus rattus, heralded in another shift in rodent pest mitigation. This shift was the development of more toxic anticoagulant products capable of killing with one or a few feedings and with concomitantly greater risks to non-target species. Development of the more toxic products both anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant continues today, although there is an increasing trend favoring comprehensive approaches (i.e., integrated pest management [IPM]) which: emphasize educating clients and reducing causative conditions; diminishing the role of toxicants; and, when necessary, using products of the least practical toxicity. In this paper, the concept of counteracting anticoagulant resistance is blended with the sometimes necessary use of anticoagulant rodenticides as part of IPM. Nationwide data from the former New York State Department of Health Rodent Control Evaluation Laboratory (in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control’s former Urban Rat Control Program) are examined regarding warfarin resistance in Rattus norvegicus. In samples from two dozen project cities, population resistance levels ranged from 1.6% to 76.2% using the standard World Health Organization (WHO) testing criteria. However, most survivors (i.e., resistant rats) of the initial test succumbed upon one or more re-exposure(s) to warfarin using the same WHO testing protocol. The results are surprising and have implications on interpreting the phenomenon of anticoagulant rodenticide resistance and on the pragmatic designing of rodent management programs.

Studies in urban areas have shown that food and shelter are primary environmental factors regulating rodent population growth. These supportive resources can be modified to reduce urban rodent damage; however, widespread adoption of environmental control techniques will require a thorough understanding of rodent-man interrelationships. This study was concerned with what factors should be monitored for making rational ecological decisions on the necessity of rodent management, establishment of priorities, choice of appropriate strategies, and evaluation of effectiveness. Guidelines are given for comprehensive monitoring of habitats (social, structural, and sanitary factors) and rodent populations (habitat requirements, growth characteristics, and zoonosis potential).

Since anticoagulant rodenticide resistance was first discovered in the United States in 1971, it has become apparent that the phenomenon is widespread. In cooperation with the Center for Disease Control, a nationwide surveillance program was initiated in 1977 to obtain statistically valid samples of rats from federally funded projects of the Urban Rat Control Program. A summary is given of the basic sampling, testing, and analysis components of this study. Problems encountered in all aspects of the first three years of the program are discussed along with results from the 40 completed samples. The 16 cities with significant Anticoagulant Resistance Problem Areas are distinguished from those in which resistance has merely been observed. Levels of resistance in various rat populations are discussed and recommendations are made in support of integrated pest management programs. Recent findings from retesting resistant rats, half of which die, are presented with regard to application of the surveillance program.

The recent outbreak of raccoon rabies in New York State during a period of unprecedented fiscal constraints presents an emerging organizational dilemma− how to handle increasing demands for services in an environment of diminishing resources. As one response to this need, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) is developing an interactive computer system for integrating public education, professional training, and public/professional communication. The basic objective is to enhance consumer access to information regarding rabies, Lyme disease, and other public health issues; thereby, forming the basis for prevention. In essence, this effort can be classified as an "educational intervention," the essential component in any successful program of integrated pest management. The system is comprised of networked computer kiosks distributed statewide in convenient locations to maximize public or professional access. Hardware for each kiosk includes a Macintosh computer, modem, and printer. Each kiosk provides a common database via a series of interactive files regarding biological and disease management information, and with various levels of multimedia development (text, audio, animation, and video). In addition, kiosks provide a directory of government regulations, publications, and services, including geographically defined data. The user can rapidly gather information from a variety of on-board kiosk resources, and can also electronically mail or fax specific queries to appropriate authorities elsewhere. The system is designed to achieve ultimate flexibility, utility and relevancy while being informative and entertaining.

Since commensal vertebrate pest problems are largely "people problems," a well-planned and executed educational intervention could be the single most important component in an integrated pest management (IPM) program. The basic purpose of educational interventions is to bring sufficient information and understanding to affected clients so that they can and will intercept and control pests in the infested habitat. The encouragement of client participation in producing educational materials is consistent with learning theory and pest management principles. Such production methods allow materials to be closely aligned with client concerns and establish a climate for mutual exchange of ideas between the clients and the IPM professionals. Furthermore, this partnership approach provides an avenue by which a pest management agency may invest its efforts in community-empowering activities aimed at future collective actions which need not depend on professionals, and may be an important step for agency personnel (government vector-control experts, international aid organizations, etc.) in eliminating victim-blaming exercises in futility. The photonovel technique discussed here emphasizes the utilization of client-community resources to enhance the efforts of outside professionals. While the specific example described and analyzed applies to urban rodent control, the concept is applicable to many subjects (including vertebrate IPM and disease prevention programs), to most cultures (in developed and developing countries), and to a broad range of clients (community members, food plant staff, etc.).