Campaigns for Control of Ground Squirrels. 11 



THOROUGH COOPERATION AND WISE DIRECTION ESSEN- 

 TIAL TO SUCCESS. 



Losses due to the depredations of rodent pests have too 

 long been considered inevitable and uncontrollable. With 

 modern improved methods of poisoning and systematic or- 

 ganization and prosecution of cooperative campaigns this 

 heavy drain upon production need no longer be tolerated by 

 progressive communities. The details of organization must 

 vary somewhat according to the requirements for the par- 

 ticular animal pest involved and the conditions prevailing 

 in the community where the work is undertaken. 



As suggested by the campaigns which already have been 

 conducted effectively, the more important features essential 

 to ultimate success are: (1) Cooperation of all agencies in- 

 volved, including farmers, local organizations, county, State, 

 and Federal officials; (2) leadership trained and experienced 

 in methods of rodent control and in organization; (3) a 

 unit plan to systematize activities and cover a sufficiently 

 large territory to prevent reinfestation ; (4) financial sup- 

 port to procure supplies in large quantities; and (5) legal 

 provision for the extermination of pests upon neglected 

 areas. 



Plans for the campaigns against the animals should be 

 laid sufficient^ in advance of the season favorable for be- 

 ginning field operations to effect preliminary arrangements 

 and procure necessary supplies. The need should be fore- 

 seen and the work of extermination undertaken at a time 

 when the animals will take poison most readily and previous 

 to the time they usually make their attacks upon growing 

 crops. When an abundance of succulent food is available 

 poisoning is more difficult, and when damage to a crop be- 

 comes apparent it is usually too late to develop the organi- 

 zation required for obtaining the most effective and lasting 

 results. With due foresight, proper organization, and a 

 direction of campaigns by men trained and experienced in 

 approved methods, success in the eradication of noxious 

 rodents is practically assured. 



