Effects of Different Essential Oils on the Acceptability and Palatability of Cereal-Based Baits for Laboratory Mice

Abstract

The aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of application of essential oilsas additives in cereal-based rodenticide baits, at rates which prevent mould developmentand are applicable in humane medicine. Also, the purpose of these oils would be to extendthe utility value of baits and reduce the use of antifungal ingredients that usually affect baitacceptance.The effects of essential oils of ten different plant species, applied at rates of one andtwo ml per kg of plain bait, on bait acceptance and palatability in choice feeding testsfor Swiss mice were studied under controlled laboratory conditions. Baits were preparedaccording to relevant EPPO standards (2004). The effects of essential oils on bait acceptanceand palatability for Swiss mice were determined in choice feeding tests using a formula byJohnson and Prescott (1994).There was no significant statistical difference in effects between groups and sexesregarding weight change in the experiment. During the experiment and recovery period,neither change in mice behavior no deaths were observed. Cinnamon and anise essentialoils, commonly used as attractants, and clove oil, were most effective because they hadno negative effect on bait acceptance and palatability, while fenchel and bergamot oilsshowed repellent activity that grew as the oil content in baits increased.

Keywords

• Rodenticide baits
• Essential oils