A rat's tendency to hoard food can make a baiting program fail. True or False?

The answer is true. Rats are known for their natural behavior of hoarding food, which can significantly impact the effectiveness of a baiting program. When a bait is introduced, rats may quickly take the bait and stash it away in their nests or other locations rather than consuming it on the spot. This behavior not only prevents them from ingesting a lethal dose of the bait but also allows them to avoid repeated exposure to the bait, thus reducing its effectiveness. Additionally, if they perceive the bait as an additional food source rather than a means of control, they may become more cautious around it, leading to a lower likelihood of consumption. Such hoarding behavior highlights the importance of developing baiting strategies that consider these natural instincts for a successful rodent control program.