Effect of chemical and sanitary intervention on rat sightings in urban communities of New Providence, the Bahamas

Abstract Rats are invasive pest species that commonly infest low-income urban environments. Their association with humans constitutes a threat of rodent-borne disease transmission. We evaluated the outcome chemical and sanitary intervention on rat sightings in seven settlements New Providence, Bahamas. The consisted rodenticide application, education about environmental sanitation, improvement waste disposal. Rat were systematically recorded by trained staff before three months after intervention. slightly decreased sightings, an average 2.7-fold varied effectiveness across locations. Four out locations (57%) registered decrease sightings. Our results suggest social differences among communities may be responsible for mixed efficacy observed current rodent management practice However, new set control measures needs to developed areas where decline was not observed. This study provides novel data how population behaves post-intervention unique ecological setting like Bahamas, presenting informed judgment their management, especially event natural disaster.