Environmental Health and Protection Commons^™

Occupational Hazards To Pest Control Operators With Special Reference To Pesticides, Irma West

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

With the help of one of your expert operators I have selected eight pesticides which I understand are widely used in vertebrate pest control, and with one exception, pose substantial safety problems for operators. These pesticides are the anticoagulants, zinc phosphide, 1080, strychnine, thallium sulfate, anhydrous ammonia, carbon disulfide, and methyl bromide. Except for the anticoagulants, it would be hard to assemble a more lethal group of chemicals. I wonder if the talents of chemical research should not be brought into this picture more actively, so that less hazardous materials could be developed for vertebrate pest control. Perhaps the economic …

Diseases Derived From Wildlife, Harald Norlin Johnson M.D.

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

The specific diseases of man known to be derived from wildlife in California are: rabies, Western encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fever, 0. fever, plague, tularemia, murine typhus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, psittacosis, leptospirosis, salmonellosis and toxoplasmosis. A variety of bacterial infections may be contracted from wild animals, notably those caused by Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis, Pasteurella multocida, Bacillus anthracis, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Clostridium tetani and Listerella monocyto-genes. Certain of the fungus diseases such as coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis are derived from exposure to wildlife habitats. California virus has been isolated from arthropods and Rio Bravo virus from bats …

Animal Population Ecology And Control Fundamentals, Kenneth E. F. Watt

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

Expensive, extensive and apparently lethal control measures have been applied against many species of pest vertebrates and invertebrates for decades. In spite of this, few pests have been annihilated, and in many cases the stated goals have become progressively more modest, so that now we speak of saving foliage or a crop, rather than extermination. It is of interest to examine the reasons why animals are so difficult to exterminate, because this matter, of course, has implications for the type of control policy we pursue in the future. Also, it has implications for the problem of evaluating comparatively various resource …

The Role Of Pest Control Operators In Vertebrate Pest Control, Philip J. Spear

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

The National Pest Control Association, which I represent, accepts for membership those persons or firms which are actively engaged in the performance of structural pest control services for hire to the public at large and which are in sympathy with the purposes of the Association. The pest control operator in this context might be called a commercial pest control operator to distinguish him from those doing similar work but who are employed by governmental agencies or within large commercial organizations. Pest control is a growing industry with a gross annual income of 300-350 million dollars. It is estimated to contain …

Opening Remarks, James W. Koehler

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

The purpose of this Vertebrate Pest Control Conference are several. They are to: 1. Get acquainted with other persons in the field of vertebrate pest control ; 2. Learn the best and safest methods of vertebrate pest control; 3. Hear what is going on in the various fields of research; 4. Stimulate new research; 5. Improve communications between research workers and between research workers, pest control operators and industry developers of materials used in the field of vertebrate pest control; 6. Inform the public about the true role of vertebrate pest control and why it is sometimes necessary, and 7. …

Starlings In The Pacific Northwest, H. Nelson Elliott

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

As is the case in many sections of the country today, starlings are causing increasing concern in the Pacific Northwest. When these birds were first recognized in Washington, Oregon and Idaho in the early 1940's only small numbers were seen, usually with blackbirds. During the 50's, however, the number of wintering starlings increased from a few birds, to thousands, with estimated flocks of 25,000 to 50,000 in western Oregon and along the Snake River Valley in Idaho and eastern Oregon. During the past five years winter resident populations in these areas have been estimated by the 100,000's, with some observers …

Testing And Registration Of New Control Materials, Donald A. Spencer

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act broadly encompasses, " any substance or mixture of substances intended for pre¬ venting, destroying, repelling, or mitigating...." a pest. The act includes devices as well as chemicals used in the control of pests. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to provide authoritative evidence of the efficacy and safety of his pesticide product. Within the scope of these four brief excerpts from the act there is much about which personnel engaged in research and development of vertebrate pest control products should be informed. As stated, the coverage of the act is very complete, …

Second Vertebrate Pest Control Conference: Contents, Schedule, And Participants

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

PROCEEDINGS SECOND VERTEBRATE PEST CONTROL CONFERENCE
Charter House Hotel Anaheim, California March 4 and 5, 1964
SPONSOR:California Vertebrate Pest Control Technical Committee
GENERAL CHAIRMAN OF CONFERENCE: James W. Koehler, Chief, Weed and Vertebrate Pest Control, California Department of Agriculture, Sacramento, California
PROGRAM AND PUBLICITY:
Maynard W. Cummings, Chairman Extension Wildlife Management Specialist, University of California, Davis
James W. Koehler, Chief, Weed and Vertebrate Pest Control, California Department of Agriculture, Sacramento, California
Walter E. Howard, Associate Vertebrate Ecologist, Department of Animal Physiology, University of California, Davis, California
Keith F. Murray, Senior Vector Control Specialist, Bureau of Vector Control, California Department of …

The Role Of Industry In Developing New Materials For Vertebrate Pest Control, G. Hermann, W. M. Zeck

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 2nd (1964)

In the first paper presented to you today by Dr. Spencer, an expert in the Animal Biology field and an official authority at the same time, you heard about the requirements imposed on a chemical in order to pass the different official hurdles before it ever will be accepted as a proven tool in wildlife management. Many characteristics have to be known and highly sophisticated tests have to be run. In many instances the governmental agency maintains its own screening, testing or analytical programs according to standard procedures. It would be impossible, however, for economic and time reasons to work …

Development Of Water Quality Criteria For Aquatic Life, Clarence M. Tarzwell

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

It is now recognized that water pollution is an important problem, that it becomes more widespread and serious as population and industry expand, and that something must be done if aquatic life resource are to be saved and their productivity maintained. In the past there has been a great deal of uncertainty in approaching this situation and a general lack of understanding of the details and ramification of the overall problem. In the efforts for the abatement of pollution, only a few clearcut objectives have been established. Knowledge is lacking as to what the objectives should be. There is still …

Methods Of Sewer Rat Control, Joe E. Brooks

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

The control of rats in the urban environment involves more than merely dealing with the above-ground populations. The average urban sewage system provides a vast labyrinth of passages and nesting places for the Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus. Here, in a protected underground habitat the rodent population is free to reproduce and ultimately expand to the maximum number that the environment can support. Eventually, the population outgrows its environment. At this point population pressures force animals to move out of the system. Rat burrows begin appearing in front yards, under sidewalks and driveways, and in flower beds, and rats themselves are …

Commensal Rodents, W. W. Dykstra

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

The evolution of effective rodent control has been greater in the past 20 years than during the previous 200 years. Mankind need no longer fear the "black death," typhus, and other rodent-borne diseases. Likewise, there is no longer any reason why we must bear the cost of serious economic losses because of commensal rodent damage to property. Unfortunately, the latter still totals many millions of dollars each year. Damage and contamination of food products by house mice now probably equals or exceeds that caused by rats.

Ectoparasite Control In Public Health , Allan M. Barnes

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

The inclusion of a chapter on ectoparasite control in a work otherwise devoted to vertebrates has a great deal of justification; the ecologies of vertebrates and their invertebrate parasites are inseparable, thus, the vertebrate control specialist is brought into intimate contact with ectoparasites and ectoparasite problems. In many cases, the need for vertebrate and ectoparasite control problems is one, and knowledge of techniques in both areas is required. The term "ectoparasite" groups a broad array of invertebrate animals externally parasitic on larger animals, many of them blood feeders in at least one stage of their life cycles. The ecological relationships …

Pigeons, Starlings And English Sparrows, G. L. Hockenyos

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

This paper deals with the control of excessive numbers of pigeons, starlings and English sparrows in urban situations in the Midwestern region of the United States. Control procedures should always be based on a survey of the factors involved in the problem so that the most feasible methods can be determined. There is no one tool of bird control that fits all situations, and in most cases more than one tool is indicated. Since the feral pigeon is the most common pest species, emphasis will be placed on pigeon control methods. Urban bird control, like urban rat control, may involve …

Review Of Current Vertebrate Pesticides, D. Glenn Crabtree

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

For the purpose of this brief review, emphasis will be placed on development, physical properties, physiological action, experience and limitations of vertebrate pesticides primarily of current opera¬tional importance in the control of field rodents and predatory animals.

STRYCHNINE (C21H22N2O2)

SODIUM MONOFLUOROACETATE (FCH2-CO-0Na)= "1080"

THALLIUM (Thallous-Sulfate TL2SO4)

ZINC PHOSPHIDE (Zn3P2)

CYANIDE (Compounds Yielding HCN on Hydrolysis)

RED SQUILL (Urginea maritima)

ANTU Alphanaphtylthiourea (l-(l-Napthyl)-2-thiourea)(C11H10N2S)

ANTICOAGULANTS--warfarin, diphacinone

TRACKING POWDERS

ARSENIC ERIOXIDE (AS2O3)

ENDRIN (1,2,3,4,-10, 10-hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-l,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octa-hydro-1,4-endo,endo-5, 8-dimethanonaphthalene)

CALCIUM CYANIDE (CaCN2)

CARBON DISULFIDE (CS2)

PYROTECHNIC (GAS) CARTRIDGES

Federal Law And Vertebrate Pest Control, Justus C. Ward

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Shortly after the passage of the Federal Insecticide Act of 1910, mammal control specialists in the Bureau of Biological Survey began to consider a similar law to cover the chemicals with which they were concerned. Work on the project went slowly and spasmodically, but reached the point of having a Federal Rodenticide Act available for study and possible revision in 1928. At this time, the mammal control chemicals in use were limited to strychnine--alkaloid and sulphate-arsenic, barium carbonate, thallium sulphate, phosphorus, sodium and calcium cyanide, carbon disulphide, and red squill. Strychnine alkaloid was about the only predatory animal control agent, …

Concluding Remarks Of Appreciation With Comments On Histoplasmosis And Cryptococcosis, Philip J. Spear

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

The record of this meeting will stand as a permanent tribute to Dr. Walter Howard and his associates. It should remind them for years to come of their worthwhile contribution in conceiving, organizing, promoting, and handling the details of this first Vertebrate Pest Control Conference. Those of us privileged to attend will be grateful for the opportunity to enlarge our acquain¬tance with the workers in the vertebrate pest control field, and to share in this exchange of information. The National Pest Control Association, whose members provide among other services, control of many vertebrate pests, draw information and guidance from many …

Infectious Disease Hazards To Pest Control Operators, Paul Arnstein Dvm, Mph

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

One of the primary reasons for controlling most vertebrate pests is the role these creatures play as links in the infection chain of certain agents pathogenic to man. It is reasonable to assume that the persons engaged in the eradication or removal of pests are at some risk of contacting zoonoses - diseases transmissible from animals to man. Unfortunately, histories or epidemiological data of occupational infections among pest control operators are not available; perhaps this society may become a future assembly point for statistics in this field. The hazards therefore have to be approached theoretically: diseases known to be associated …

Control Of Opossums, Bats, Raccoons, And Skunks, Howard A. Merrill

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Opossums at times cause economic losses, especially around poultry farms, truck crops and river bottom corn fields. Under such circumstances, control may be required. When bats invade homes and occupied buildings to establish their roosts, they often become nuisances, necessitating some measure of control. Interest in bats has increased greatly during recent years due to the transmission of rabies to humans. Rabies virus has been isolated from over 20 species of bats in 36 States. Since 1953, five human deaths have been attributed, to rabid bat bites. More recently one field investigator has reported an experience which indicated that rabies …

Vertebrate Pest Control, Walter E. Howard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

It is a pleasure and privilege for me to welcome all of you to this conference. And it is a conference, not a convention. No motions or resolutions will be entertained, as this conference is made up of representatives of many governmental agencies and countries; hence, not a place for resolutions. We are here to get acquainted with each other and to listen to experts from North America and Korea tell us about the best methods of controlling troublesome and pestiferous birds, mammals and snakes, and to discuss related problems concerning diseases and pesticides. Since the program is crowded, each …

The Pest Animal Problem: Keynote Speech, W. C. Jacobsen

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

There is an inscription across the top of the impressive facade of the National Archives Temple in Washington, D. 0., which reads: "What is Past is Prologue." So be it. Perhaps it applies to us here- At least the inscription furnishes a basis for me to indulge in a few com¬ments of historical significance as we undertake consideration of vertebrate pest control in its many phases. The earlier documents available to us reveal that with every expansion or westward advance into newer areas of agricultural production or livestock enterprises there also arose a variety of pest animal problems. However, it …

Methods Of Controlling Coyotes, Bobcats, And Foxes, Weldon B. Robinson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

In reviewing methods of predator control, it would first seem appropriate to define what is meant "by "methods" and what is meant by "control." Taking the last term first, control, as applied to the predatory coyotes, bobcats, and foxes, may be defined as regulating the numbers of these animals to the point where the economic losses for which they are responsible will be reduced to a practicable minimum. In some situations, area control, i.e., limiting the numbers of the offending predator over wide areas, may be necessary for satisfactory reduction of economic losses; in other situations, spot control or localized …

Wolf Control In British Columbia, Canada, G. A. West

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Up to 1949, the Fish and Game Branch employed personnel, some of whom were temporary, to attempt control of the extremely high wolf pop¬ulations of the central and northern portions of British Columbia. Coyotes were also very numerous in the central and southern regions and had to be considered because of their depredations. The field men were keen and conscientious but their efforts were not co-ordinated. Control areas were severely restricted in size as techniques were not adaptable enough and because of a lack of manpower. Eventually, sheepmen went out of business entirely over wide areas, cattlemen were subjected to …

Meeting The Meadow Mouse Menace, William D. Fitzwater

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

The orchardist has many ways to lose money but one of the best is to ignore his mouse problem. This apparently insignificant, short-tailed little rodent by his unobtrusive but systematic attacks on the growing tissue of trees can be very expensive. The Indiana Extension Horticulturist has stated that mice are the number one cause for orchardists going out of business in recent years in that State. Moreover, the problem is not a recent one as a questionnaire to county agricultural agents in 1924 (Davis, 1925) showed that field mice were even then considered a problem in 40 per cent of …

Ground Squirrel Control In California, Richard H. Dana

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

The control of ground squirrels in California is important in two ways. First, it is necessary to prevent destruction of agricultural crops. Second, it is important from a health standpoint where rodent-borne diseases have been demonstrated to be present. Ground squirrel control in this State is the responsibility of the county agricultural commissioners, the State Department of Agriculture and on Federal lands the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. Most control measures are concerned with but two of the nine species of ground squirrels found in California. These include four subspecies: Beechey ground squirrel (Citellus beecheyi beecheyi), Douglas ground squirrel …

Controlling Muskrats, Rollo E. Talbert

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Today damage attributed to muskrat activities occurs both to irrigation systems and waterways serving agricultural interests as well as to power company installations, waterfowl refuges and hunting clubs. Direct damage or destruction of agricultural crops is relatively minor although the muskrat is known to feed on a variety of produce including ear corn, alfalfa, clover and carrots and frequently will cut a rather wide swath of rice near water control boxes separating rice paddies. The brief activities of fur trappers appear to have little significance as applied to alleviating these losses, so we are forced to recognize that we will …

Linnets, Horned Larks, Crowned Sparrows And Woodpeckers, James W. Koehler

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

CALIFORNIA HOUSE FINCH Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis: Depredations. In California the linnet is an abundant resident throughout the State wherever food and water are available. It is most numerous on the valley floors and in the foothills where man's development has created an extensive favorable habitat. The linnet is primarily a seed eater and before the introduction of domestic fruits into California probably lived largely on weed seeds. Linnets attack the ripening fruit of the apricot, cherry, peach, pear, nectarine, plum, prune, avocado, grape, apple, fig, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry and many others. They disbud almond, apricot, pear, peach, plum, prune and …

Controlling Yellow-Billed Magpies (Pica Nuttalli), Rex Lynda Ii

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

The yellow-billed magpie is a little smaller than the American or black-billed magpie, but the difference in size is very slight. The birds look exactly alike, except one has a black beak and the other has a yellow bill and a bit of yellow skin back of the eye.There are concentrated populations in the Los Banos area, Gustine area, and along the course of the Merced River comprising about 19,100 acres. They are occasionally seen in other areas of the County, but only infrequently observed in the southwestern portion of the County. The heaviest populations are in walnut orchards, dairy …

Mole And Woodrat Control, Rex E. Marsh

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

MOLES: In regions where moles thrive, lawns in golf courses, parks, cemeteries and home yards are often made unsightly by dirt mounds and ridges pushed up by the active little animals. In cultivated land, moles may cause consider¬able economic loss through their burrowings. Mole control can be divided into six basic categories: exclusion, repellents, gases, toxic baits, reduction of food supply, and trapping. Un¬changed over the years, trapping is still considered the most reliable of all methods of control, however, under certain conditions or situations, the other methods of control may be extremely useful. WOOD RATS: The native wood rat …

Banquet Address: People, Pests And Some Plans, Daniel G. Aldrich Jr.

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

We can probably say that the California way of farming has made California fanners the most over-run hosts to vertebrate pests in the agricultural world. We can certainly say, too, that new pests—and here I don't mean people--are on their way. I'm told that the starlings are just exploring here now. The relatives are coming later. We'll see, and hear, a lot more of them. Our problem is: How do we keep from being such good hosts to our small vertebrate guests? I have been told by experts that right now the vertebrate pest control man is woefully underequipped for …