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A rodent inspection must aim to locate any signs of infestation and then identify the species, determine the extent of the infestation, locate potential harbourages and entry points and then use this information to plan a treatment program.

signs

There are 14 signs of rodent activity to check for

One tool that may aid in detecting rodent urine on incoming goods and in locating runways and entry points during an inspection is the use of a black (ultraviolet) light.  However, as with any detection tool it has limitations and requires understanding on how to correctly interpret the information from what you observe.

Longwave ultraviolet light (350-405nm) is used for detection of many items that fluoresce

The detection of rodent contamination by black light is based on the phenomenon of rodent urine showing blue-white to yellow-white fluorescence when viewed under black light. The fresher the stain the more blue will fluoresce. Urine stains on food bags, containers, floors, etc. while invisible in white light, retains their fluorescence and are readily discernible under black light. Furthermore, rodents urinate when in motion and their paths are visible under black light in characteristic “droplet” pattern or trails. Rodent hairs show a blue-white fluorescence.  Rodents have oily hair that is UV reactive, leaving smudge marks where they travel.

However, some cleaning products, bleaches, packaging glues and adhesives also fluoresce.

GETTING THE BEST FROM A ‘BLACK LIGHT’

BENEFITS OF USING ‘BLACK LIGHTS’


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