Which material is appropriate for use as a tracking patch to monitor for rats?

A tracking patch used to monitor for rats is designed to help identify their presence and activity in an area. The correct material for such a patch should be easily manipulable and should allow for clear evidence of rodent movement.

Limestone is an appropriate choice because it can be spread easily and its composition allows for the visible tracking of rodent footprints. The texture of limestone also helps show clear footprints that can indicate rodent activity, making it effective for monitoring.

Flour, while it could potentially serve a similar purpose, may create a mess and is more likely to be disturbed by environmental factors or other animals, making it less reliable for tracking. Zinc phosphide is a highly toxic pesticide used to kill rodents but is not suitable for monitoring purposes. Corn meal, similar to flour, may not provide the same clarity in tracking footprints and can also be affected by weather or other animals.

Using limestone as a tracking patch enables pest control professionals to monitor the presence and movement patterns of rats while minimizing interference from other variables. This focused approach allows for more effective management of rodent populations based on accurate tracking data.