Details - Public Health Image Library(PHIL)

ID#:

14330

Caption:

The epidemiologic field technician depicted here, was holding a large plastic pill bottle in his right hand that contained aluminum phosphide tablets, and was pouring a number of the tablets into his gloved left hand. These tablets are used as a rodenticide, and in this case, was to be used to control a population of rock squirrels. When extremely large populations of rodents are in very close proximity to humans, flea control alone may not be adequate. Flea control should be considered an emergency, or short-term action. It may alleviate or postpone the problem, but does not eliminate it. Carefully designed, and well-executed rodenticidal control programs may have longer-term effects, but like insecticidal control, must be repetitive. A more lasting effect can sometimes be brought about by altering the environment to deny the rodents harborage and food, particularly in environments already occupied by humans, which had been altered to favor rodents.