In view of resistance reported to have developed towards second generation anticoagulants and the problem of bait shyness and neophobia when acute rodenticides are used, it becomes imperative that methods be evolved to overcome these problems. Attempts to potentiate anticoagulants for effective rodent control is a new concept with very few studies. Experiments using two non-steroid ant-inflammatory drugs, namely ibuprofen and phenylbutazone at 80 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg body weight respectively to potentiate the action of two second generation anticoagulants, brodifacoum and bromadiolone, yielded positive results for Rattus rattus. The drugs reduced the lethal dose required for 100% mortality as well as days to death. Field trials confirmed laboratory findings.

Rodents cause significant economic loss to poultry by feeding on poultry feed, contaminating it, damaging eggs, attacking chicks, and transmitting bacterial and protozoan diseases. A year long study was undertaken to generate data on population structure and dynamics of Rattus rattus inhabiting poultry. Peak density was observed during summer (April). Although rats bred throughout the year, maximum breeding occurred in December (winter). Adults were preponderant and sex ratio tilted slightly towards females. The calculated annual productivity of female R. rattus was 69.59 young/female/year. The continuous availability of food and ample shelter well protected from predators and immigrants indicates behavioural regulation of population. The winter breeding contributed to summer peaks and the female preponderance could be due to dispersal of males.