Rodent control in the traditional market using non-toxic treatments and integrated pest management

Abstract

Rodent control is one way to suppress the rat population, which can become pests or harm humans through disease or damage caused by rats. Rats in traditional markets have always been a problem. However, research discussing rat control in traditional markets is still limited. This research aims to determine the effect of controlling rats in grocery kiosks in traditional markets in Surakarta, Indonesia. The research method used was an experiment with a pre-post test method with a control group. The population of this study was all food kiosks in Surakarta's traditional markets with rat density index measurements. The index was measured using traps before and after treatment using one live trap for 2 nights and recorded. Kiosks with a high trapping index (>1) were selected as treatment & control samples. Types of treatment using non-toxic measures consisting of 1) installing single live traps, 2) installing vetiver oil as a repellent, 3) increasing knowledge of rat control and 4) integrated pest control (all control apply). Density changes before and after the experiment were recorded and tested using ANOVA statistical analysis. The results showed a significant difference (p=0.003) in mouse density between treatment methods. Treatment with a single live trap reduced the rat trapping index by 50% and integrated control by 84%. Integrated pest management significantly differed in index before and after treatment (p=0.016). In conclusion, integrated rat control is recommended to reduce rat density in traditional markets compared to a single treatment to be effective and successful.