Dr. T's Rat-A-Way - Additional Information

RESEARCH

Excerpts of Study from The University of Alabama

The data from the various tests clearly show that Rat Scat¨ rodent repellent is effective in reducing the numbers of rodents entering a treated area. Further, observational data suggest that Rat Scat is effective against all three of the common rodents found in and around man-made structures, namely the house mouse (Mus musculus), the black rat (Rattus rattus), and the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Specifically, the results indicate that Rat Scat is effective in reducing the numbers of rodents invading treated buildings and garbage areas. While Rat Scat does not totally prevent rodents from entering treated buildings, and outdoor garbage areas, it reduces rodent activity in these areas by 72-90%. This reduction in activity within treated buildings and garbage areas will significantly reduce rodent damage in these locations. Data also suggest that treating an infested building will not confine the rats within the building, but rather will encourage them to leave and not return.

The air temeratures during the course of these tests ranged from highs in the lower 60's to lows in the upper 20's (oF). The temperatures during the garbage bag test and the building test were especially cold with highs in the 40's and lows in the upper 20's (oF). The temperatures during the tests must be considered because the vaporization rate of naphthalene increases with temperature. Since the effectiveness of Rat Scat is based to a large part on naphthalene vapors, it can be concluded that, during warmer seasons, Rat Scat¨ would be even more effective than was shown in the present study.

These results suggest that Rat Scat would be very useful in treating outdoor garbage areas, poultry houses, grain and feed storage warehouses, and barns. The use of a rodent repellent in these areas will greatly reduce the risk of accidental poisonings of animals or humans that is associated with using rodent poisons. A repellent such as Rat Scat is an environmentally preferable alternative to these poisons.