Yemisi Izuora
The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has advised Nigerians to be very cautious while using rodenticides (or rat poisons) when taking control measure to rid their buildings and vicinity of rodents and vectors.
The advise is coming as the Association commences public enlightenment exercise as part of measure to control spread of virus in the outbreak of Lassa fever in the country.
Ayo Ogunyadeka President of PECAN while addressing the media in Lagos noted that the association anticipates that many Nigerians will rush to procure rodenticides, which are brazenly displayed on roadsides and shops by quacks as the fears of Lassa fever epidemic spread across the country, and advised that the toxic materials must be used with care.
“Rodenticides are pesticides that kill rodents, rodents include not only rats and mice, but also squirrels, porcupines, grass-cutters etc, all rodenticides can be toxic when eaten and most rodenticides are also toxic when inhaled and when they come into contact with skin.
Rodents, humans, dogs and cats are all mammals, so our bodies work in very similar ways. Rodenticides have the same deadly effect when ingested by mammals, which include human beings especially children and wards, and pets, such as cats, dogs, monkeys etc.
Other domestic animals such as birds and poultry may be exposed to high secondary rodenticides poisoning as well, he cautioned.
To effectively combat Lassa fever, which virus is borne by rodents, Ogunyadeka, advocated that active rodent control is best conducted using an Integrated Pest Management Approach (IPM) that includes both chemical and non chemical methods, adding that IPM is a long term sustainable system of control.
He lamented that Lassa fever claims 5,000 lives yearly and there should be a multi-stakeholder approach to deal with the scourge.
The association suggested that one of the effective ways to rodent control is the removal of internal feeding sites, clearing up of spillage and avoiding overflowing waste bins, and standing water.
Ogunyadeka also urged the people to conduct regular internal inspections of possible harbourage sites, including voids above false ceilings, ventilation ducts, lift shafts, cavity walls and partitions.
“They will also ensure good cleaning routines and removal of damaged containers and products. Allow appropriate access for cleaning and inspection.
We must learn to monitor simple signs that give indications of an infestation. For example, look out for rodent droppings, if recent they are shiny and soft.
Take notes of footprints or tail swipes in dust; gnawing damage, on building fabric, sacks or bait. Smear marks from fur on regular routes (look up – rodents climb well)” he said.
Furthermore he disclosed that “The physical attributes of the animals themselves, dead or alive may indicate the extent of infestations; a young male may be a loner, but a female or juvenile can mean a large population”.
The president advised that where there is strong evidence of infestations, the use of rodenticides to kill them becomes essential, stating that rodenticides are chemicals toxic to rodents.
Also speaking, Dr.(Mrs) Kehinde Kemabonta of department of Zoology, faculty of science, the University of Lagos, called on Nigerians to study the labels of any rodenticides carefully and ensure that they follow and adhere strictly to the instructions.
She warned against patronising quacks and ensure that practitioners are professionals before they engage them.