Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

Control tools and methods for moles and for woodrats (Neotoma spp.) are discussed in detail, with emphasis on California and other western states. Categories of control methods included are exclusion, repellents, traps and trapping, burrow fumigants, and toxicants. In regard to mole toxicants, experience indicates that sodium fluoroacetate and thallium sulfate are considered the most effective, although these materials are restricted because of their possible nontarget hazard. For woodrats, sodium fluoroacetate has given excellent control, while zinc phosphide is probably the most commonly used rodenticide. Anticoagulants when used properly can also be effective. References on the biology and control of these species are listed.