Which rodent is more likely to respond negatively to neophobia?

Rats are particularly known for their cautious behavior when encountering new objects or environments, a characteristic known as neophobia. This behavior is an evolutionary adaptation that helps them avoid potential dangers, including toxic foods or traps. Rats often exhibit heightened levels of fear and avoidance in response to unfamiliar stimuli, which can make them more challenging to control in pest management scenarios.

Mice, while also capable of neophobic behavior, tend to be less sensitive to new items than rats and can be more exploratory in certain conditions. Squirrels and chipmunks, being more adaptable to different environments, generally display less pronounced neophobic responses compared to rats. These traits underline the importance of understanding the specific behaviors of various rodent species when developing pest control strategies.