In public health, traditional rodent control has typically focused on using rodenticides to eliminate vertebrate pests. However, eliminating rodents alone while ignoring their ectoparasites—such as ticks and fleas—can cause disease vectors to seek alternative hosts, including wildlife, pets, and humans. Broadcast spraying, another common control method, can be costly and pose risks to non-target organisms like pollinators.
A more targeted and sustainable approach involves the use of baits containing insecticides or acaricides that control blood-feeding fleas and ticks directly on rodents. Genesis began researching this approach in 1999, screening various insecticidal compounds in rodent baits. The compounds were found to circulate in the rodents’ blood at levels effective for killing fleas and ticks.
This research has led to the development of multiple products designed to:
Genesis also pioneered combination baits containing both rodenticides and insecticides/acaricides to simultaneously control rodents and their ectoparasites—providing a more comprehensive public health solution.
Plague has historically devastated human populations and remains a concern in regions such as Madagascar, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and even the western United States. Transmitted by fleas, plague continues to threaten both humans and native wildlife, including the endangered black-footed ferret.
Genesis developed and validated systemic insecticide baits for flea species that parasitize a variety of hosts. Notably, results of this research have led to federal and state registrations for products targeting fleas infesting:
These baits are ingested by the host and kill fleas during blood feeding. This method has proven successful in both lab and field studies and is now being used by state and federal agencies involved in black-footed ferret recovery programs.
Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the U.S., with over 500,000 estimated new cases per year—primarily in the Northeast and upper Midwest. While not often fatal, it can lead to persistent, debilitating symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and cognitive challenges that can last for years.
Genesis has focused on interrupting Lyme disease transmission through host-targeted control strategies. Key facts:
Genesis has developed oral acaricide-based solutions targeting both small rodents and white-tailed deer. Lab and field results show significant potential to:
