Kangaroo Rats

The Ord’s kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ordi.

Kangaroo rats are competitors of livestock on arid western rangelands (Marsh 1985) when present in high populations, especially during drought. They can also retard recovery of overgrazed rangelands when cattle are removed (Howard 1994) and spread undesirable shrub species by caching of seeds (Reynolds and Glendening 1949, Marsh 1985). Kangaroo rats cause significant damage to alfalfa and corn on irrigated sandy soils by consuming newly planted seeds and clipping off seedlings (Howard 1994). Sorghum, other grains, and garden crops can also be damaged in local areas.

Several species of kangaroo rats are endangered. Kangaroo rats are nocturnal, but their burrow systems, with aboveground mounds and interconnecting runways, are readily observed. Snap trap surveys can identify the species present, provided the damage area is not within the range of one of the species listed as endangered.

Sumary of Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion

Rat-proof fences may be practical only for small areas of high-value crops.

Cultural Methods

Plant less palatable crops along field edges and encourage dense stands of rangeland grass.

Repellents

None are registered.

Toxicants

Zinc phosphide.

Fumigants

Aluminum phosphide and gas cartridges are registered for various burrowing rodents.

Trapping

Live traps. Snap traps.

Other Methods

Use water to flush kangaroo rats from burrows.