RI, MA EHS Pest Control Blog

(click to enlarge image)

Rodents have lanolin on their fur that causes tell-tale rub marks in heavily traveled pathways. Lanolin is yellow viscous oil in the fur that is made of fatty acids and esters. It allows rodents to squeeze into tight voids & spaces with great ease.

We know that when we do a rodent inspection that this is one of the signs we look for to determine activity. The more frequently traveled in the same area means there will be a buildup of lanolin. To the untrained eye it looks like oil but to us it is an important find that will aid in control because it tells us that it is a rodent highway.

The attached image shows the rub marks leading under a wooden deck.

by Ryan Metterville, Service Specialist

EHS was selected as one of just 14 leading pest control firms to attend the rodent control focus meeting in Denver, CO. In the room there were 10 entomologists & two biologists from various U.S. states (MA, CA, NY, FLA, TX, OH, MI, CO, AL) combining for over 220 years industry experience! I was honored that EHS & I were selected to attend this meeting.

New rodenticide active ingredients, trapping devices, methods, bait stations, control measures, etc. were discussed. Many of these products may shape future rodent control efforts.  What the general public does not know is that pest control is a science and we are always looking for new research, tools, and data to fight pests that affect public health and property. Rodents are a formidable foe and we must use research & technological advancements to implement better control practices.
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George E. Williams Jr., A.C.E.
General Manager - Staff Entomologist
Environmental Health Services, Inc.