Application of trap barrier system (TBS) technology in long-term farmland rodent control

Objective To explore the new, environment-friendly and pollution-free technology for rural rodent monitoring and control. Methods The trap barrier system (TBS) technology was applied to capture rural rodents from October 2007 to April 2008. The crop growth period and the species, age, sex, pregnancy, litter size and other characteristics of rodents were recorded. The wheat yield was measured and rodent control effect evaluated during the harvest season. Results Eighty rodents were captured using the TBS technology, including 23 Anourosorex squamipes and 57 rodents such as Apodemus agrarius and Micromys minutus. The resulting rodent control effect was up to 61.3%, and the wheat yield increased by 11.7% as compared to the control farmland. Conclusion The TBS technology, an effective tool for farmland rodent monitoring and control, has overcome the flaws in the methods of bamboo tube bait stations and rodent traps, and may achieve green and hazard-free management of farmland rodents. This technology can be promoted and applied at larger scale.