Rats and mice adapt and are difficult to control

Despite effective tools, pest control workers in the United States have reported finding it increasingly difficult to eradicate rodents. Now, researchers at Rutgers University have found a possible explanation.

They captured 147 house mice and 143 brown rats and found that 84 percent of the mice and 35 percent of the rats carried at least one mutation linked to resistance to the poison.

The researchers believe house mice may adapt more quickly than rats because mice are curious and more likely to eat unfamiliar foods, including poisoned baits. Rats tend to be cautious and suspicious of new objects.

The study is published in Pest Management Science.