Definition: Commensal is applied to pests which, while not truly parasitic, do partake of the same food as another. The term, commensal is often applied specifically to rodent pests of the landscape, which partake of human food. House mice and Norway rats are the chief commensal rodents. In an integrated pest management system (IPM), commensal pests will be discouraged from arriving by making sure food is kept in well-sealed containers. One of the principles of IPM (and of common sense!) is that it is preferable to take preventive measures against the arrival of commensal rodents and other pests, rather than having to fumigate commensal pests or otherwise exterminate them later.
Common Misspellings: comensal
