Rat tail contest controls rat population

FOUR barangays in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo agreed to conduct an intensive rat control campaign by holding the search for Mr. and Mrs. Balabaw Contest 2012.

A total of 12,545 heads of rats were killed and tails were used as votes in the contest.

The community-wide intensive rat campaign was conducted in barangays of Barasan Este with 5,130 tails, Tigtig with 4,300 tails, Canipayan with 2,515 tails and Calaboa Oeste with 600 tails, all in Sta. Barbara.

Manuel Olanday, regional rice program action officer of the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), lauded the barangay campaign as an effective strategy in controlling rat infestation in the province.

The province recently reported rat infestation invaded agricultural lands in at least nine municipalities here as the province reels on the effect of heavy rains and typhoons.

Olanday added the environmental manipulation such as reduction of food sources and harborages, keeping the field and environment clean, reduction of paddy size to 6x8 inches, rat proofing and synchronized planting will greatly reduce rat population in the area.

A farmer can use physical or mechanical method such as trapping, digging, flame throwing and blanket system/drive to control rats. (Lydia C. Pendon)