Environmental Health and Protection Commons^™

Soil Conservation : Contour Banks Must Be Maintained, D J. Carder, G. W. Spencer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The wet winter of 1963 showed up faults in many contour bank systems and emphasised that banks won't last forever without maintenance.

This article tells where to look for weaknesses and how to treat them.

Cultivate Saltland And Protect It From Grazing, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Cultivate and protect to reclaim

Water For Agriculture. 6. Control Of Algae In Water Supplies, R C. Gorman

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

ALGAE are primitive forms of plant life that are common and normal in surface waters. They are fonnd in every water supply exposed to sunlight.

Their presence is not normally detectable until there are enough of them to make their presence obvious.

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 …

Interbasin Movement Of Ground Water At The Nevada Test Site, Isaac J. Winograd

Publications (WR)

The present paper presents hydraulic evidence for the interbasin circulation of ground water through carbonate rocks of Paleozoic age at the Nevada Test Site. An integral part of this evidence is the discovery that aquifers in alluvium and tuff, formerly thought to be the principal aquifers at the Test Site, are semiperched above a thick tuffaceous aquiclude that separates them from the carbonate rocks.

This paper is based on one of the studies being made by the Geological
/="/">Survey for the Atomic Energy Commission. These studies seek to evaluate
/="/">the risk that may arise if ground water should …

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 …

Control Of Pocket Gophers, Maynard W. Cummings

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Pocket gophers occur only in North and Central America but within this vast area few other native rodent groups are more widely distributed (Anthony, 1928). None are more adaptable, either to natural extremes of habitat or to changed conditions brought about by agricultural development and other man-made environmental modifications. They occupy coastal areas, inland plains and valleys, desert and alpine meadow, from sea level to above timber line in a multitude of vegetation and soil types. This practically universal distribution has, of course, led to the recognition by naturalists of many species and subspecies. California alone contains at least 75 …

Methods Of Controlling Starlings And Blackbirds, Adolph Zajanc

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Most people have accepted the fact that all living things can be beneficial to mankind in some way or other. This is especially true of our wild birds, since they provide enjoyment and wholesome recreation for most of us, regardless of whether we live on farms or in the city. But despite the fact that wild birds are for the most part beneficial, at times individuals or populations of certain species can seriously affect man's interests. When such situations occur, some measures of relief are desirable and usually eagerly sought. This report is not intended to answer all the questions …

Control Of Meadow Mice, Kangaroo Rats, Prairie Dogs,, John A. Ludeman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Meadow mice, kangaroo rats, prairie dogs and cotton rats are broadly classified as field rodents. The control of their populations have been necessary since man first began to farm and raise livestock within the areas in which these rodents live. The intensity of control has varied with land values and the population fluctuation of the rodents. Rodent control, like other farming practices must be profitable to the land owner, or he cannot afford to undertake a control program. If he is to continue in business his control efforts must be done efficiently and as successfully as possible. To accomplish these …

Vertebrate Pest Control Conference: Contents

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Proceedings of a meeting held at Sacramento, California, February 6-7, 1962. Sponsored by National Pest Control Association, 250 West Jersey Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey, and California Vertebrate Pest Control Technical Committee.
GENERAL CHAIRMAN OF CONFERENCE: Walter E. Howard, Associate Vertebrate Ecologist, Field Station Administration, University of California, Davis, California

Control Methods For Snakes, Elbert M. Brock, Walter E. Howard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 1st (1962)

Of the various types of wildlife that home owners find undesirable, snakes are probably the leading offenders. Because of much false teaching, many persons have a great dread of even non-venomous snakes; hence control often is practiced when not needed. Nevertheless, very few people are willing to accept the presence of snakes in their gardens or their yards, especially if there is a concern for children playing in the area. For this reason snake control is often desirable about homes and suburban housing areas. Other situations where controls might be justified are recreation areas, farms, bird sanctuaries, duck nesting marshes, …