Section V. Inventory

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

elimination of shelter, rodent proofing structures, and

spaces between walls should be eliminated. Doors

eradication by trapping, poisoning, and burrow

should be self-closing and tight fitting. Wood sills and

fumigation.

doors at ground level may be sheathed in sheet metal to

withstand gnawing.

(2) Observation of rodent signs is essential in

c. Bird Management.

determining whether rodents currently infest buildings

(1) Contracting. The facility engineer should

and other structures, the degree of infestation, and in

be contacted on any bird problem. Each instance where

planning effective control.

These signs include

pest birds are a problem is unique.

droppings, runaways, rub marks, tracks, burrows, nests,

(2) Preventive measures.

damage, rodent odors, rodent hairs, live or dead

(a) The ground around the storage area

rodents, gnaw marks, and damage to stored products.

should be kept clean by removing trash and food and by

Talc can be used as a tracking powder to identify active

using covered receptacles.

infestations.

(b) Stored supplies in warehouses can

(3) The cleanliness of an establishment is a

be protected from bird droppings by covering the top

most important factor affecting the number of rodents

layer of the supplies.

which may be present. A rodent infestation can usually

(c) Birds can be excluded from

be traced to unsanitary conditions, including infrequent

buildings or roosts with wire mesh or similar product.

refuse collection and inadequate disposal practices.

Screen all windows, ventilation openings, etc., with wire

General housekeeping which includes a planned and

mesh no larger than three-quarters of an inch.

continuous program of collection and disposal of opened

Doorways that remain open should be fitted with self-

food containers, debris, rubbish, and garbage is crucial

closing screen doors. Large warehouse doors that

to rodent management.

Proper stacking of food

remain open pose a special problem.

supplies reduces available harborage for rodents.

(d) Roosting should be eliminated by

(4) Rodentproofing of buildings is essential.

installing aluminum or galvanized sheetmetal at a 45

Sheet metal of 26 gauge or heavier, 1/4-inch mesh

degree or greater slope on the exterior ledges of

hardware cloth, and concrete are suitable materials for

buildings. There are many temporary measures to

use in rodentproofing. Openings greater than a quarter

discourage roosting, but these may require frequent

of an inch should be sealed. Openings such as cracks

servicing.

around doorways, gratings, and windows less than 5 feet

above the ground should be covered. Openings around

(3) Reduction measures. Bird populations

boxed-in piping and wire conduits should be closed.

may be reduced by destroying nests and eggs, trapping,

Access to

and poisoning. Public sympathy may be very high in

any type of bird control program.

Section V. Inventory

3-31. General.

b. Certain items have characteristics which require

a. To assist in achieving optimum economy in the

that they be identified, accounted for, secured,

management and use of DOD supplies, it is essential

segregated, or handled in a special manner to ensure

that accurate records of quantity, condition, and

their safety or integrity. Because of these special

ownership of the individual items be maintained.

considerations, inventory of such items is called a

Periodic verification of these records is accomplished

controlled item inventory. Controlled items are

through physical inventory. In its most basic form,

(1) Classified items. Material which requires

physical inventory is an actual count of an item at its

protection in the interests of national security.

storage site. In the broad sense, inventory of military

(2) Sensitive items. Material which requires a

property involves a number of actions other than a

high degree of protection and control due to statutory

physical count of the material on hand. Some of these

requirements or regulations such as narcotics; precious

actions are the verification of stock record balances; the

metals; items which are of high value, highly technical,

investigation, disclosure, and analysis of cause of

or of a hazardous nature; and small arms, ammunition,

inventory discrepancies; and the adjustment of stock

explosives, and demolition material.

records and financial records. This part is concerned

(3) Pilferable items. Material having a ready

primarily with the actions related to the physical count of

resale value, civilian utility, or application as to

material.

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