One step in incorporating IPM methods in dealing with a roof rat problem might not be

• A. Placing locked bait boxes outside
• B. Educating the customer to prevention methods
• C. Using traps
• D. Using 99% zinc phosphide

Answer: (A)

Integrated Pest Management for roof rats centers on preventing access, removing attractants, and using targeted controls with minimal risk. Educating the customer on prevention methods aligns with long-term success, reinforcing sanitation and exclusion to keep rats from returning. Traps provide immediate reduction of the population without chemicals and are a common IPM tool when placed along likely routes and harborages. Using zinc phosphide represents a chemical control option that, when applied correctly and as a last resort, fits IPM by aiming to lower the pest population while limiting risk to non-targets and following label directions. Placing locked bait boxes outside, while it could be part of a broader plan, doesn’t directly address interior harborages or the entry points often driving roof rat problems, and can be less effective or harder to monitor and maintain. Because of that, exterior locked bait boxes are not as consistent with the IPM approach for a roof rat situation as the other steps.