Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

In laboratory experiments, carbon disulfide (CS2) increases the attractiveness of feeding stations to rats and mice. Bait consumption is also increased, and the effects are more pronounced for females than for males. The present study was designed to assess whetherCS2 would enhance consumption of a standard bait formulation by wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). The results showed that consumption was tripled when bait was paired with CS2. We speculate that CS2 could similarly enhance the effectiveness of rodenticide bait formulations to which it is applied. Extensive field tests of CS2 as a rodent attractant appear warranted.