MSU Extension

Order Information

To order training manuals, go to https://npsecstore.com/pages/michigan

INTRODUCTION

How to Use This Manual

This manual contains the information needed to become a certified commercial applicator in Category 7, Vertebrate Pest Management. This manual is intended for use in combination with the Applying Pesticides Correctly. However, this manual would also be useful to anyone interested in learning more about vertebrate pest management.

The Category 7 certification exam will be based on information found in this booklet. Each chapter begins with a set of learning objectives that will help you focus on what you should get out of each chapter. The table of contents will help you identify important topics and understand how they relate to one another through the organization of headings and subheadings. As you prepare for the exam, read each chapter and then test yourself with the Vertebrate Pest Management review questions located at the end of the chapter. These questions are not on the certification exam. They are provided to help you prepare for the exam. Questions on the exam will pertain directly to the learning objectives.

The appendices and glossary, including an answer key (Appendix A), at the end of this manual provide supplemental information that will help you understand the topics covered in the chapters. Terms throughout the manual text that are bold and italicized can also be found in the glossary.

Topics covered within this manual are listed below.

CHAPTER 1: LEGALITIES OF VERTEBRATE PEST MANAGEMENT

State and Federal Laws

 Federal Laws

Endangered Species Act

Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act

CHAPTER 2: BIRDS

Pigeons

Habits of Pigeons

Starlings

Habits of Starlings

House Sparrows

Habits of House Sparrows

Canada Goose

Habits of Canada Goose

Pileated Woodpecker

Habits of Pileated Woodpecker

Sea Gulls

Ring-billed Gull

Habits of Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Habits of Herring Gull

Other Birds

Health Hazards Associated with Birds

Histoplasmosis

Cryptococcosis

Ectoparasites

Defacement and Damage to Structures and Equipment

Legal Considerations

Federal Laws

State and Local Laws

Tools and Methods for Managing Pest Birds

Inspection

Habitat Modification

Exclusion

Ultrasonic Devices

Trapping

Lethal Alternatives

Toxic Perches

Ornitrol

Shooting

Risks to Non-targets

Public Relations

Bird Droppings Removal and Cleanup

Control of Pest Birds in Agricultural Areas

Exclusion

Frightening Devices

Chemicals

Cultural Practices

Summary

Review Questions

CHAPTER 3: DOMESTIC RODENTS

Rats

The house mouse

Rodents: Pictorial Key to Some Common U.S. Genera

Rats and Mice as Disease Carriers

Rat-bite Fever

Salmonella Food Poisoning

Leptospirosis or Weirs Disease

About Rabies

Rat-spread Diseases

Plague

Murine Typhus Fever

Trichinosis

Mouse-spread Diseases

Rickettsial Pox

Meningitis

Dermatitis

Ray Fungus and Ringworm

The Norway Rat

Habits of Rats

Life Cycle

Social Behavior

Senses of Rats

Fear of New Objects (Neophobia)

Physical Abilities

Food and Water

Range

Nests

Inspection

Flashlight

Sounds

Droppings

Urine

Grease Marks

Runways

Tracks

Gnawing Damage

Burrows

Pet Excitement

Odor

Estimating Rat Numbers

Control and Management of Rats

Sanitation

Eliminate Hiding Places

Rat-proofing (Exclusion)

Building Interior

Traps

Rodenticides

The House Mouse

Losses Due to Mice

Habits of House Mice

Life Cycle

Social Behavior

Senses of Mice

Curiosity

Physical Abilities

Food and Water

Range

Nests

Inspection

Sounds

Droppings

Urine

Grease Marks

Runways

Tracks

Gnawing Damage

Visual Sightings

Nest Sites

Pet Excitement

Mouse Odors

Estimating Number of Mice

Control and Management of House Mice

Sanitation

Mouse-proofing

Traps

Rodenticides

Summary

Review Questions

CHAPTER 4: WILD RODENTS

Wild Rodents as Disease Carriers

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

The Deer Mouse

The White-footed Mouse

How is Hantavirus Transmitted?

Symptoms

Prevention

Voles

Control and Management of Voles

Exclusion

Habitat Modification

Repellents

Rodenticides

Trapping

Tree Squirrels

Control and Management of Tree Squirrels

Exclusion  

Repellents

Trapping

Ground Squirrels and Chipmunks

Control and Management of Ground Squirrels and Chipmunks

Ground Squirrels

Habitat Modification

Trapping

Rodenticides

Fumigation

Chipmunks

Exclusion

Trapping

Woodchucks

Control and Management of Woodchucks

Exclusion

Fumigants

Trapping

Shooting

Muskrats

Control and Management of Muskrats

Exclusion

Habitat Modification

Rodenticides

Trapping

Shooting

Summary

Review Questions

CHAPTER 5: OTHER VERTEBRATE PESTS

Bats

Bats and Disease

Habits of Bats

Location of roost

Control and Management of Bats

Exclusion

Repellents

Moles

Control and Management of Moles

Skunks, Raccoons, and Opossums

Skunks

Raccoons

Opossums

Control and Management of Skunks, Raccoons, and Opossums

Trapping

Shooting

Prevention through Habitat Modification

Rabbits

Control and Management of Rabbits

Exclusion

Habitat Modification

Repellents

Trapping

Shooting

White-tailed Deer

Lyme Disease

Prevention of Lyme Disease

Control and Management of Deer

Exclusion

Repellents

Live Capture

Shooting

Snakes

Control and Management of Snakes

Summary

Review Questions

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Answers to Study Questions

Appendix B: Glossary

Appendix C: Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Appendix D: Selected Bibliography

Appendix E: Common Vertebrate Pest