HOW IT WORKS: Acrolein Photo Album
- Acrolein was originally only used as an aquatic herbicide under the name Magnicide "H". Due to the need for more ground squirrel control options, it was approved as a ground squirrel fumigant.
- Magnicide "H" comes in liquid form and is dispensed precisely under pressure from a nitrogen tank, by a hose and nozzle gun. This method has been shown to work well for burrowing rodents and tests have shown about 90% control using magnicide "H". However, this method is labor and equipment intensive, and it may be phased out by the manufacturer.
HOW TO USE IT:
1. Treat all active burrows. When many are present, drag the field or fill burrow openings with soil to determine which burrows are active. Treat all burrows that are re-opened within 24 hours.
2. Place nozzle into the burrow entrance.
3. To minimize the loss of gas, fill the entrance around the applicator with soil.
4. Apply Magnicide "H" at a rate of 20cc per burrow. Increasing the amount does not increase the effectiveness.
5. Pull out the nozzle applicator and tamp down on the soil to seal the burrow.
SAFETY:
- Protective clothing should be worn, including a mask, goggles, safety suit, and gloves. Acrolein is a lachrymator, which means the smell is so pungent that you will try to remove yourself from it far before you inhale a significant amount. Acrolein is highly flammable and highly chemically reactive.
WHERE TO GET IT:
- This material has a limited availibility. Check with your local agriculture commisioner.
- The use of Acrolein requires a restricted use permit. Also, the California Department of Fish and Game must be notified 48 hours in advance due to concerns about threatened and endangered species.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
- Acrolein must be purchased in large quantities, and so may not be cost efficient unless you have a severe ground squirrel problem.