Laboratory studies in cages and outdoor aviaries were conducted, using different concentrations of methiocarb 50%-WP to estimate the ideal dose needed to produce taste aversion in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Under a nochoice test, sparrows showed a clear difference in millet bait preference among various concentrations. Under choice tests, in cages and outdoor aviaries a clear repellency trend was recorded in both sexes with increases in poison concentration. However, female birds showed a higher repellency pattern than males. It was concluded that methiocarb grain bait at 0.1% proved to be highly effective in repelling sparrows and may function as an ideal crop protectant against bird invasion.

Laboratory studies in cages and outdoor aviaries were conducted, using different concentrations of methiocarb 50%-WP to estimate the ideal dose needed to produce taste aversion in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Under a nochoice test, sparrows showed a clear difference in millet bait preference among various concentrations. Under choice tests, in cages and outdoor aviaries a clear repellency trend was recorded in both sexes with increases in poison concentration. However, female birds showed a higher repellency pattern than males. It was concluded that methiocarb grain bait at 0.1% proved to be highly effective in repelling sparrows and may function as an ideal crop protectant against bird invasion.