🧾 AUDU BAKO COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE,
DANBATTA
Programme: HND Pest Management Technology
Course Title: Rodents and Control
Course Code: PMT 324
Credit Units: 2
Examination Type: End of Semester
Instruction: Answer any four (4) questions only.
Time Allowed: 2 Hours
Total Marks: 60 marks (15 marks per question)
QUESTION ONE
(a) Define rodents and describe their major morphological features that enable survival and pest
activity. (8 marks)
(b) List and discuss four (4) major families of rodents, giving one example and economic
importance of each. (7 marks)
QUESTION TWO
(a) Discuss the life history and ecological adaptations of rodents that make them difficult to
control. (8 marks)
(b) Explain the climatic and environmental conditions that favor rodent breeding in
agricultural environments. (7 marks)
QUESTION THREE
(a) With suitable examples, differentiate between field and store habitats of common rodent
pests. (8 marks)
(b) Explain how the burrow patterns of rodents can be used in species identification and pest
management. (7 marks)
QUESTION FOUR
(a) Analyze five (5) major types of damage caused by rodents in agricultural fields and storage
structures. (10 marks)
(b) Discuss three (3) visible signs that can help detect rodent infestation early. (5 marks)
QUESTION FIVE
(a) Describe five (5) preventive methods** used to control rodent infestation** in farms and
storage facilities. (10 marks)
(b) Explain the importance of constructing maize cribs on stilts fitted with rodent stops or
traps. (5 marks)
QUESTION SIX
(a) Compare and contrast chemical control and biological control of rodents, giving one
example each. (8 marks)
(b) Discuss the main principles and benefits of Integrated Rodent Management (IRM). (7
marks)
🧩 MARKING SCHEME & EXAMINER’S GUIDE
Each question carries 15 marks. Marks are awarded for:
Factual accuracy and depth of explanation (8–10 marks)
Logical organization and clarity of expression (3–4 marks)
Examples, application, or illustration (1–2 marks)
QUESTION 1 – Morphology and Classification of Rodents (15
marks)
Key Points:
Definition of rodents: small–medium mammals, order Rodentia, with
ever-growing incisors, gnawing behavior. (3 marks)
Morphological features:
o Ever-growing incisors and diastema (2 marks)
o Compact, fur-covered body (1 mark)
o Long tail (1 mark)
o Sensitive whiskers/vibrissae (1 mark)
o Keen smell, poor eyesight, strong limbs (1 mark)
Families (any 4 × 1.5 marks each = 6 marks):
o Muridae – rats, mice, gerbils – major pests of crops and stores
o Cricetidae – hamsters, voles, lemmings – minor pests
o Sciuridae – squirrels – bark and nut eaters
o Caviidae – guinea pigs, capybaras – some used for research
o Dipodidae – jerboas – desert dwellers
Total: 15 marks
Examiner’s Guide:
Look for accurate classification, correct spelling of families, and clear morphological
explanations linking structure to function.
QUESTION 2 – Life History & Breeding Conditions (15 marks)
Key Points:
Adaptive life history traits (any 4 × 2 marks = 8 marks):
o High reproductive rate, short gestation
o Flexible feeding habits
o Burrowing and nocturnal behavior
o Strong sensory adaptations
o Ability to live close to humans (commensalism)
Environmental factors (any 3 × 2 marks = 6 marks):
o Temperature: 20–30°C favors breeding
o Rainfall/moisture increases food and burrowing ease
o Food abundance post-harvest
o Shelter and cover availability
Logical organization and examples (1 mark)
Examiner’s Guide:
Reward candidates who link ecology to control difficulty (e.g., rapid breeding = frequent
infestation).
QUESTION 3 – Habitats and Burrow Patterns (15 marks)
Key Points:
Field habitats (4 marks): open farms, grasslands, forest edges;
species like grass-cutters, field mice.
Store habitats (4 marks): barns, silos, homes; species like Rattus
norvegicus and Mus musculus.
Differences: exposure, food type, nesting behavior (2 marks).
Burrow patterns (5 marks):
o Multiple entrances/exits, nesting & storage chambers
o Soil heaps, smooth edges = active burrow
o Species identification: large holes (rats), small holes (mice),
complex burrows (grass-cutters)
Logical presentation (1 mark)
Examiner’s Guide:
Expect diagrams or field examples; mark for correct relation of burrow pattern to species ID.
QUESTION 4 – Damages and Signs of Infestation (15 marks)
Key Points: (a) Damages (any 5 × 2 marks = 10 marks):
Seedling destruction
Stem cutting (grass-cutters, rats)
Fruit/tuber feeding
Girdling of trees
Feeding/contamination in storage
Gnawing electrical wires, structures
Disease transmission and economic loss
(b) Signs of infestation (any 3 × 1.5 marks = 4.5 marks):
Droppings
Gnaw marks
Burrows and nests
Tracks/tail marks, noise, smell
(c) Organization and relevance (0.5 mark)
Examiner’s Guide:
Full marks for answers that distinguish field vs. storage damage and link to real examples.
QUESTION 5 – Preventive and Structural Control (15 marks)
Key Points: (a) Preventive methods (any 5 × 2 marks = 10 marks):
Sanitation
Rat-proofing (metal sheets, sealing cracks)
Trapping
Cultural practices (weeding, synchronized harvest)
Biological control (cats, owls)
Safe waste disposal
(b) Maize crib on stilts (5 marks):
Raised structure keeps grains dry and rodent-free (2 marks)
Metal cones (rodent stops) prevent climbing (2 marks)
Practical, chemical-free protection (1 mark)
Examiner’s Guide:
Look for technical details (materials, design). Award extra credit for mentioning air circulation
and local adaptation.
QUESTION 6 – Chemical vs. Biological Control & IRM (15 marks)
Key Points: (a) Chemical vs. Biological control (8 marks):
Chemical: use of rodenticides (acute: zinc phosphide; chronic:
warfarin); advantages (quick kill), disadvantages (toxicity, resistance).
(4 marks)
Biological: use of predators (cats, owls, snakes); eco-friendly but
limited (4 marks).
(b) Integrated Rodent Management (IRM) (7 marks):
Definition (2 marks)
Components: sanitation, exclusion, trapping, biological, limited
chemical use (3 marks)
Benefits: sustainable, community-based, environmentally safe (2
marks)
Examiner’s Guide:
Credit balanced discussion. Deduct marks if only one control type is described.
General Examiner’s Note
Grammar and clarity: ±1 mark per question (within total 15 marks).
Reward students who:
o Use examples of African species (e.g., Cricetomys gambianus,
Thryonomys swinderianus).
o Integrate theory and practice (e.g., field observation, store
control).
o Demonstrate analytical understanding, not memorized lists.