Control of the multimammate rat, Mastomys natalensis (A. Smith) in the irrigated fields of the Republic of Burundi

Irrigated cultivations have been developed in Burundi with the aid of the European Fund for Development. Three major rodent species are considered pests, but one of them is far more important and can survive flooding: Mastomys natalensis, the multimammate rat. The biological cycle of the species is well identified, with peak populations generally in the July-October period. A first attempt to prevent the damages consisted of slight changes in the timing of some cultivations. The second step was to find a rodenticide and a bait that could have practical use in that country. Corn paraffin blocks poisoned with chlorophacinone appeared to be convenient. 80-95% control is obtained with 2-3 kg. bait per hectare