What is the term for the extermination of rats and mice? - briefly
The practice of eliminating rats and mice is commonly referred to as rodent control. It includes methods such as trapping, poisoning, and habitat modification.
What is the term for the extermination of rats and mice? - in detail
The specific word used to describe the systematic elimination of rats and mice is rodent control. In professional pest‑management literature, this phrase denotes all measures taken to reduce or eradicate rodent populations that cause damage or health hazards.
Rodent control encompasses several approaches:
- Chemical control – application of rodenticides, substances formulated to kill rodents through poisoning. Common active ingredients include anticoagulants such as bromadiolone and diphacinone.
- Mechanical control – deployment of traps (snap, live‑catch, electronic) and bait stations designed to capture or kill individual animals.
- Biological control – introduction of natural predators (e.g., barn owls, feral cats) or pathogens (e.g., the bacterium Yersinia pestis in limited research contexts) to suppress populations.
- Environmental management – modification of habitats to eliminate food sources, shelter, and access points; includes sealing building entryways, proper waste handling, and landscaping adjustments.
Legal frameworks often require licensed professionals to handle rodenticides, reflecting the toxicity of these chemicals and the need for safe application. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs prioritize non‑chemical methods, monitoring, and preventive measures before resorting to poisons.
When documenting a rodent‑elimination project, practitioners record species targeted, density estimates, control methods employed, and post‑treatment monitoring results. This data supports efficacy assessment and compliance with regulatory standards.
In summary, the term for the purposeful eradication of rats and mice is rodent control, a discipline that combines chemical, mechanical, biological, and environmental strategies under regulated, evidence‑based practices.