Vertebrate Pest Control Research Program

Research Projects

VPCRAC research projects investigate effective and economical alternative materials for the control of vertebrate pests. We solicit and consider research proposals for alternative humane methods of control and continue the state's current vertebrate pest control product registrations until such time as effective alternative products are available.

VPCRAC funds research for the development of scientific data required to maintain registrations and cooperates with US Department of Agriculture in funding research programs to maintain, develop, and register vertebrate pest control materials used in California.

Title Research Agency Animal Subject Control Method Completed? Date
A 91-day oral toxicity study in rats with zinc phosphide technical National Wildlife Research Center Rats Zinc phosphide Yes 1995-09-30
A Camera and Hook System for Viewing and Retrieving Carcasses from Burrows National Wildlife Research Center Rodents n/a Yes 2002-10-03
A collection of Research and Pest Management Guidelines supporting the Efficacy of Anticoagulants on Woodrats an Muskrats CDFA Woodrats, Muskrats Anticoagulants Yes 1994-10-01
A field test of jackrabbit bait station strategies University of California - Davis Jackrabbits Anticoagulant Bait Yes 2005-07-01
A field test of rodenticides for pocket gopher (Thomomys spp.) control University of California - Davis Pocket Gophers Anticoagulants Yes 2015-09-01
A Literature Review for Existing 'Selective' Bait Stations, Excluding Non Target Mammals University of California - Cooperative Extension Rodents, California Ground Squirrels, Pocket Gophers, Rabbits, Rats, Mice Rodenticides Yes 2010-10-01
A review of potential avicides, rodenticides and other vertebrate pest control compounds University of California - Davis Chlorophacinone, Cholecaciferol, Diphacinone, Sodium Fluoroacetate n/a Yes 1995-08-24
A Test of Efficacy of Three Rodenticide Baits for Roof Rat and Deer Mouse Control in California University of California - Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center Rats, Deer Mice Diphacinone, Chlorophacinone Yes 2013-01-01
Acute Toxicity of Diphacinone in Northern Bobwhite: Effects on Survival and Blood Clotting U.S. Geological Survey Northern Boobwhites Diphacinone Yes 2010-10-01
Acute Toxicity, Histopathology, and Coagulopathy in American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) Following Administration of the Rodenticide Diphacinone U.S. Geological Survey American Kestrels Diphacinone Yes 2010-11-14
An Efficacy Test of a Cholecalciferol Plus Diphacinone Rodenticide Bait for California Voles Resistant to Chlorophacinone Baits National Wildlife Research Center Voles Cholecalciferol, Diphacinone Yes 2012-10-01
An Investigation of the Effects of Vitamin K - rich plant food on the Efficacy of Diphacinone on Voles National Wildlife Research Center Voles Diphacinone Pellets Yes 2008-09-25
An operational crow control program using broadcast calls University of California - Davis American Crows Biosonics Yes 1997-03-01
Analytical method for anticoagulant residues National Wildlife Research Center n/a Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 1994-03-01
Anticoagulant baiting strategies for California ground squirrels University of California - Davis California Ground Squirrels Diphacinone Grain Yes 1997-04-01
Anticoagulant Baiting Strategies for Pocket Gopher Control University of California - Davis Gophers Anticoagulants Yes 2004-07-01
Anticoagulant baiting strategies for voles in artichokes University of California - Davis Voles Chlorophacinone Zinc Phosphide Yes 2001-09-27
Anticoagulant field efficacy studies University of California - Davis California Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Grain Bait Yes 2000-06-30
Anticoagulant residues in ground squirrels National Wildlife Research Center California Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 2002-12-23
Assessing some Potential Environmental Impacts from Agricultural Anticoagulant Uses University of California - Cooperative Extension Ground Squirrels, Rodents, Raptors Anticoagulants Yes 2008-03-19
Assessing the efficacy of carbon monoxide producing machines at controlling burrowing rodents University of California Rodents Carbon Monoxide Machine Yes 2016-06-01
Assessment of Toxicity and Potential Risk of the Anticoagulant Rodentiide Diphacinone using Eastern Screech-owls U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Screech-owls Diphacinone Yes 2011-12-01
Baiting strategies for Gophers University of California - Davis Pocket Gophers Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 2004-06-30
Best Management Practices California Ground Squirrel Program University of California - Davis California Ground Squirrels n/a Yes 1999-05-03
Bird control in grapes University of California - Davis House Finches, American Robins, European Starlings Hazing Alarm Distress Calls Yes 2003-05-13
Broadcast application of 2% zinc phosphide steam-rolled-oat groats to control gray-tailed National Wildlife Research Center Voles Zinc Phosphide Yes 1995-09-30
Bromethalin for California Ground Squirrel Genesis Laboratory California Ground Squirrels Bromethalin Bait Stations Yes 1996-05-01
California Ground Squirrel laboratory feeding study National Wildlife Research Center California Ground Squirrels Cholecalciferol Yes 1996-02-01
Chlorophacinone and Diphacinone residues in rangeland grasses National Wildlife Research Center California Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Grain Bait Yes 1997-01-03
Chlorophacinone Efficacy Feeding Studies Using 0.01% Chlorophacinone Artichoke Bract for Controlling California Meadow Voles CDFA Meadow Voles Chlorophacinone Yes 2002-11-30
Chlorophacinone in bait stations for Beldings Ground Squirrels National Wildlife Research Center Beldings Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Bait Stations Yes 1995-10-01
Chlorophacinone residues in Alfalfa Genesis Laboratory Voles, Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Broadcast Yes 1996-08-13
Chlorophacinone treated cabbage for Belding's Ground Squirrel Genesis Laboratory Belding's Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Yes 1996-03-01
Cholecalciferol/ Pocket Gopher/ Burrow Builder Study National Wildlife Research Center Pocket Gophers Cholecalciferol Yes 1995-03-15
Comparative Toxicity of Diphacinone to Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) U.S. Geological Survey Northern Bobwhites, American Kestrels Diphacinone Yes 2010-01-01
Comparison of 20,25-diazacholesterol, 22-azacholesterol, and aromatase inhibitor as orally delivered contraceptive agents for rodent control National Wildlife Research Center Rodents Diazacholesterol, Azacholesterol, Aromatase Inhibitor Yes 2004-10-06
Concentration-response Relationship of an Anthraquinone-based Repellent for American Crows USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service American Crows Anthraquinone Yes 1996-01-01
Concentration-response relationship of an Anthraquinone-based repellent for Wild Turkeys USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wild Turkeys Anthraquinone Yes 1996-01-01
Concentration-response Relationship of Anthraquinone-treated Lettuce Seedlings for Horned Larks National Wildlife Research Center Horned Larks Anthraquinone Yes 1996-01-01
Controlling resistant voles in artichokes University of California - Davis California Meadow Voles Chlorophacinone Zinc Phosphide Yes 2003-04-03
Cottontail rabbit control University of California - Cooperative Extension Cottontail Rabbits Trapping Yes 2004-10-04
Deer mouse bait station University of California - Davis Deer Mice Diphacinone Yes 2002-02-22
Deer mouse lab feeding study National Wildlife Research Center Deer Mice Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 1995-04-01
Determination of Chlorophacinone and Diphacinone Residues in California Ground Squirrels and Non-Target Animals USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone, Diphacinone Yes 2002-12-23
Determination of diphacinone and chlorophacinone residues in California range grass National Wildlife Research Center Ground Squirrels Diphacinone, Chlorophacinone Yes 1995-09-18
Determination of Efficacy of Chlorophacinone Treated Artichoke Bracts, Zinc Phosphide Treated Artichoke Bracts, and Razol Pellets for Controlling California Voles in Artichokes University of California - Cooperative Extension Voles Chlorophacinone, Phosphide, Rozol Yes 2011-04-28
Determining the Source of Primary and Secondary Rodenticide Exposures - Agricultural Field Baits v's Commensal Application National Wildlife Research Center Rodents Rodenticide Yes 2007-10-17
Developing a Vertebrate Pest Control Digital Library University of California - Cooperative Extension Vertebrates n/a Yes 2008-09-15
Development and Evaluation of the VPCRAC Website for Vertebrate Pest Research Information University of California - Cooperative Extension Vertebrates n/a Yes 2009-01-01
Development of a crow repeller University of California - Davis American Crows Broadcast Unit Yes 2002-04-29
Development of a DNA based procedure for efficient and selective removal of predatory coyotes using the coyote lure operative device National Wildlife Research Center Coyotes CLOD Yes 2006-04-03
Development of a natural predator control toxicant National Wildlife Research Center Coyotes, Canids Methylxanthines (Theobromine, Theophylline, Caffeine) Yes 2004-11-01
Development of an Integrated Pest Management Program for Vole Control in Artichokes University of California - Integrated Pest Management IPM Meadow Voles Cultural Practices, Drift Nets, Chlorophacinone Zinc Phosphide Discing Yes 2012-10-01
Development of diazacon for population control of American crows National Wildlife Research Center Crows Diazocon Yes 2006-04-03
Development of Gopher Control Demonstration Videos for Online and Kiosk Based Training University of California - Integrated Pest Management IPM Gophers n/a Yes 2007-09-10
Diphacinone residues in alfalfa Genesis Laboratory Voles Ground Squirrels Diphacinone Yes 1996-09-01
Distribution patterns, habitat use, and impacts of the eastern fox squirrel (Sciuris nigris) University of California - Cooperative Extension Fox Squirrels n/a Yes 2005-03-22
Ecology and behavior of endangered kangaroo rats University of California - Davis Kangaroo Rats n/a Yes 1996-06-30
Economic benefits from Compound 1080 registration in California University of California - Berkeley Belding and California Ground Squirrels n/a No 1997-08-27
Economic damage of non predator vertebrate pests University of California - Berkeley Birds, Mammals n/a Yes 2009-12-03
Economic Impacts of Rodent and Bird Damage to Vunerable Crops/Commodity-Producing Counties National Wildlife Research Center Rodent, Birds n/a Yes 2007-04-20
Effects of Processing and Handling on Anticoagulant Active Ingredients and Bait Quality CDFA Ground Squirrels Anticoagulants Yes 2002-06-12
Efficacy of cholecalciferol on Valley Pocket Gophers National Wildlife Research Center Valley Pocket Gophers Cholecalciferol Yes 1994-04-14
Efficacy of Oat and Pellet Anticoagulant Baits Combined with Pretreatment of Oat and Pellet Zinc Phosphide Baits and Implications for Secondary Hazard University of California - Cooperative Extension California Ground Squirrel Anticoagulants, Zinc Phosphide Yes 2007-03-25
Electronic repeller system and field protocol for bird control in wine grapes University of California - Davis European Starlings, House Finches, American Robins Electronic Repeller System Yes 2006-09-27
Electronic systems for bird control in orchards and vineyards University of California - Davis Birds Sensor Systems Remote Activation Yes 1999-07-01
Elevated bait stations for California ground squirrel control University of California - Davis California Ground Squirrels, Kangaroo Rats Elevated Bait Stations Yes 1996-01-01
Estimating Job and Revenue Savings from Using a Variety of Pest Control Techniques to Protect Crops from Birds and Rodents National Wildlife Research Center Birds, Rodents, Ground Squirrels, Crows, Sparrows, Meadow Voles, Pocket Gophers Rodenticides Avicides Trapping Exclusion Chemical Aversion No 2010-07-01
Evaluation and control of wild turkey damage in California University of California - Davis Turkeys Calls Yes 2007-07-09
Evaluation and Development of Bird-Repellent Rodenticide Baits for California Rodents Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services Rodents Anthraquinone, Zinc Phosphide Yes 2013-02-25
Evaluation of baiting duration and bait station density for deer mouse control in almonds University of California - Davis Deer Mice Diphacinone Yes 2006-03-01
Evaluation of jackrabbit control systems University of California - Davis Jackrabbit Various Yes 2006-03-01
Evaluation of the adoption of industrial hygiene practices by CDFA bait mixing facilities University of California - Cooperative Extension Various Anticoagulant, Zinc Phosphide Yes 2005-02-09
Field efficacy of rodent bait chlorophacinone treated grains used in bait stations to control the California ground squirrel Genesis Laboratory Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Yes 1996-01-11
Field efficacy of rodent bait chlorophacinone treated grains using spot-baiting application Genesis Laboratory Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Yes 1995-04-01
Field efficacy of rodent bait diphacinone treated grains used in bait stations to control the California ground squirrel Genesis Laboratory Ground Squirrels Diphacinone Yes 1994-09-01
Field efficacy of rodent bait diphacinone treated grains using spot-baiting applications to control the California ground squirrel Genesis Laboratory Ground Squirrels Diphacinone Yes 1994-09-01
Field Efficacy Studies Comparing 0.005% and 0.01% Diphacinone and Chlorophacinone Baits for Controlling California Ground Squirrels CDFA Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone, Diphacinone Yes 2001-12-31
Field efficacy trial of cholecalciferol + diphacinone baits for California vole control University of California - Davis Voles Cholecalciferol, Diphacinone Yes 2014-08-01
Field test of a bait delivery device for coyote management Utah State University Coyote CLOD Yes 2006-04-03
Food Safety and Rodent Control in Leafy Green Crops University of California - Davis Rodents Trapping, Rodenticides Yes 2009-04-01
Formulation of anticoagulant artichoke brachts University of California - Davis Voles Chlorophacinone Yes 2003-06-30
Fox squirrels in almond orchards University of California - Cooperative Extension Eastern Fox Squirrels n/a Yes 2004-06-30
Functional significance of ultraviolet feeding cues in wild turkeys Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services Wild Turkeys UV Yes 1996-01-01
Ground squirrel reduced baiting strategies University of California - Davis California Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 2003-10-23
Ground squirrel underground baiting University of California - Davis Ground Squirrels Anticoagulants, Various Yes 2007-07-29
Ground squirrel underground baiting University of California - Cooperative Extension Ground Squirrels Diphacinone, Chlorophacinone Yes 2006-09-27
Grower evaluation of California ground squirrel control using reduced baiting stategies University of California - Cooperative Extension Ground Squirrels Various Yes 2006-09-27
HPLC validation method for Diphacinone HACCO Inc n/a Diphacinone Yes 2000-05-15
Identification of attractants for the coyote lure operative National Wildlife Research Center Coyote CLOD Yes 2005-07-01
Identifying anticoagulant resistance and devising management strategies for resistant vole University of California - Davis Vole Anticoagulants Yes 2006-09-27
Identifying possible alternative rodenticide baits to replace strychnine baits for pocket gophers in California USDA Pocket Gophers Anticoagulants Yes 2014-09-30
Identifying the Level of Use of Aluminum Phosphide for Controlling Burrowing Pests in California University of California-Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center Vertebrate Aluminum Phosphide Yes 2012-06-01
In-Vitro Inhibition of Chlorophacinone Metabolism in Resistant Meadow Voles Using FIFRA 25B Inert Ingredients National Wildlife Research Center Meadow Voles nert Ingredients Chlorophacinone No 2010-10-01
Increasing Acceptance of Zinc Phosphide Baits National Wildlife Research Center Meadow Voles, Pocket Gophers, Ground Squirrels Zinc Phosphide No 2010-10-01
Indexing technique for vole abundance University of California - Davis Voles n/a Yes 2002-02-20
L5178Y TK+ - Mouse Lymphoma Mutagenesis Assay USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service n/a n/a Yes 1993-08-20
Laboratory efficacy studies with bromethalin pelleted and grain baits on California ground National Wildlife Research Center Ground Squirrels Bromethalin Yes 1998-05-08
Maintenance of VPCRAC website University of California - Davis n/a n/a Yes 2015-10-01
Malted Oats as carrier for Zinc Phosphide baits National Wildlife Research Center Belding, California Ground Squirrels Grain Bait Yes 1997-04-28
Management system for VPCRAC research University of California - Davis Birds, Mammals n/a Yes 1996-12-28
Method validation and storage stability of diphacinone bait HACCO Inc n/a Diphacinone Yes 2002-12-31
Mouse Lab feeding study National Wildlife Research Center Mice Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 1995-04-01
Mouse lymphoma mutagenesis assay National Wildlife Research Center Mice Zinc Phosphide Yes 1995-09-29
Nontarget hazard to free-ranging ring-necked pheasants exposed to a 2% zinc phosphide grain bait broadcast for vole control in alfalfa National Wildlife Research Center Voles, Pheasants Zinc Phosphide Yes 1998-04-24
Nontarget hazards to ring-necked pheasants and California quail from broadcasting a 2% zinc phosphide oat groats bait for control of gray-tailed voles National Wildlife Research Center Voles Zinc Phosphide Yes 1995-09-30
Norway rat laboratory feeding study National Wildlife Research Center Norway Rats Zinc Phosphide Yes 1995-04-01
Norway Rat Laboratory feeding study National Wildlife Research Center Norway Rats Chlorophacinoe Diphacinone Yes 1995-04-01
Outreach program for VPCRAC research projects University of California - Davis Birds, Rodents n/a Yes 1998-06-24
Pharmacokinetic Studies with Kestrels and Owls for Validating the CDFA/USDA Rodenticide PBPK Model National Wildlife Research Center Kestrels, Owls n/a No 2008-04-01
Phosphine exposure to personnel & others associated with application of zinc phosphide artichoke bract bait for meadow vole control in artichoke field University of California - Cooperative Extension Voles Zinc Phosphide Yes 2006-03-03
Potential repellents for bird control in Lettuce National Wildlife Research Center Horned Larks Methyl Anthranilate Methiocarb Yes 1995-04-01
Processing/handling effects on anticoagulant bait quality University of California - Davis n/a Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 2000-06-30
Repellents for bird control in sprouting crops (lettuce) National Wildlife Research Center Horned Larks Spray Methiocarb Anthraquinone Yes 1998-12-28
Reregistration of CDFA baits for Control of Norway and Roof Rats in Agricultural Fields University of California - Integrated Pest Management IPM Norway Rats, Roof Rats Rodenticide Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 2009-08-31
Research Website for VPCRAC University of California - Cooperative Extension n/a n/a Yes 2006-07-01
Review of California Ground Squirrel control using zinc phosphide University of California - Davis California Ground Squirrels Zinc Phosphide Grain Bait Yes 1996-07-01
Rodecon for reproductive control University of California - Davis California Ground Squirrels, Voles Reproductive Control Yes 2000-07-01
Rodent bait quality - Ingredients and Manufacturing University of California - Davis n/a Chlorophacinone Diphacinone Yes 2000-02-23
Rodent Control Training and Certification Using an Interactive Computer Kiosk System University of California - Cooperative Extension Ground Squirrels n/a Yes 2007-04-25
Sallmonella/Mammalian-microsome plate incorporation mutagenicity assay National Wildlife Research Center Mice Zinc Phosphide Yes 1995-09-29
Salmonella/Mammalian-Microsome Plate Incorporation Mutagenacy Assay (Ames Test) USDA n/a n/a Yes 1993-07-21
Spot baiting with Chlorophacinone for Beldings Ground Squirrel National Wildlife Research Center Beldings Ground Squirrels Chlorophacinone Spot Baiting Yes 1995-10-02
Studies of zinc phosphide ground squirrel bait formulations University of California - Davis Ground Squirrels Zinc Phosphide Yes 1995-06-30
Taxidermy specimens Fresno County Department of Agriculture California Ground Squirrels n/a Yes 2004-07-01
Tetracycline as a synergist in diphacinone baits to increase efficacy, reduce residues and/or lower potential secondary hazards National Wildlife Research Center Ground Squirrels Tetracycline, Diphacinone Yes 2006-04-03
Tracking Non-residential Pesticide Use in Urban Areas of California University of California n/a n/a Yes 2005-06-10
Trapping to control birds in agriculture University of California - Davis Birds Trapping Yes 1996-07-01
Using Liver Microsomes to assess Resistance of Chlorophacinone and Diphacinone in Meadow Voles National Wildlife Research Center Meadow Voles Anticoagulant Yes 2007-09-17
Using Liver Microsomes to Screen Anticoagulant Inhibitor Formulations for Meadow Vole Control National Wildlife Research Center Meadow Voles Rodenticides Anticoagulant No 2009-07-01
Using Liver Microsomes to Screen Anticoagulant/ Antibiotic Formulations for Ground Squirrels and Pocket Gophers National Wildlife Research Center Ground Squirrels, Pocket Gophers Anticoagulant/ Antibiotic No 2008-03-21
Vertebrate Pest Control - Education and Certification Using the Internet and Touch Screen Devices University of California - Cooperative Extension Rodents, California Ground Squirrels, Pocket Gophers, Rabbits, Rats, Mice Anticoagulant No 2010-07-01
Vertebrate Pest Control Education and Outreach for Licensed Trappers and others dealing with California Wildlife University of California - Cooperative Extension California Ground Squirrels, Pocket Gophers, Meadow Voles n/a Yes 2008-04-01
Vertebrate Pest Control Handbook University of California - Cooperative Extension Various Various Yes 2006-12-18
Vertebrate Pest Research "Needs Assessment" for California University of California - Integrated Pest Management IPM Vertebrates n/a Yes 2011-07-01
Vertebrate Pest Research in California, Website for VPCRAC, The Public, Vertebrate Pest Control Researchers, and others concerned with Vertebrate Pest University of California - Cooperative Extension Vertebrate n/a Yes 2008-03-19
VPCRAC database and website University of California - Davis Birds, Mammals n/a Yes 2004-04-13
VPCRAC research database University of California - Davis Birds, Mammals n/a Yes 2000-06-30
Wax bait block reformulation Genesis Laboratory Rats, Mice Diphacinone Wax Bait Block Yes 2003-07-31
Wildlife damage management in Fresno and Kings counties, California: economic assessment National Wildlife Research Center Livestock, Lions, Coyotes Various Yes 2006-09-27
Wildlife services in California - economic assessments National Wildlife Research Center Predators n/a Yes 2003-09-03
Wildlife Services in California: economic assessments of selected benefits and costs National Wildlife Research Center Various Various Yes 2006-04-03
Winter evaluation deer mouse bait station University of California - Davis Deer Mice Anticoagulant Bait Stations Yes 2003-01-01
Zinc phosphide (technical) micronucleus cytogenetic assay in mice National Wildlife Research Center Mice Zinc Phosphide Yes 1995-09-30
Zinc phosphide bait quality Genesis Laboratory n/a Zinc Phosphide Yes 1999-12-01
Zinc phosphide residue study in alfalfa utilizing broadcasting techniques National Wildlife Research Center Voles Zinc Phosphide Yes 1997-04-30
Zinc phosphide: a field efficacy study with California ground squirrels National Wildlife Research Center Ground Squirrels Zinc Phosphide Yes 1995-09-13