Nov 9, 2012

The Difference between Rodent Trapping and Rodent Baiting

Cold weather often sends rodents inside our homes.  Homeowners should take steps during the fall to pest proof for the winter months.

There are several things that can be done around the structure to prevent and support rodent populations.

  • Store boxes and containers off the floor and organize items often to prevent rodents from residing in undisturbed areas.
  • Seal cracks and holes, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
  • Store food in thick metal or plastic containers with tight lids.
  • Clean up spilled food right away and wash dishes and cooking utensils soon after use.
  • Implement proper sanitation and waste management. Use a thick plastic or metal garbage can with a tight lid and keep sealed at all times.
  • Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean.
  • Do not leave pet food or water bowls out overnight.
  • Keep bird feeders away from the house and use squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder by squirrels and other rodents.
  • Keep grains and animal feed in thick plastic or metal containers with tight lids. In the evening, return uneaten animal feed to containers with lids.
  • Contact a pest management company to perform pest proofing and exclusion to prevent rodents from entering inside.

 

How does Thomas Pest Services treat for rodents?

All rodent services begin with a thorough inspection to determine the extent of infestation. Thomas Pest Services inspection looks for entry points (how rodents are getting in), droppings, signs of rodents and pathways. Once a Thomas Pest representative understands how rodents are acting in your home, we develop a service around your home, property and YOUR needs. Our services include exclusion (sealing up entry points), seasonal services, ongoing services and harvesting as well. 

 

What is the difference between traps and rodent baiting?

Traps:

Advantages Disadvantages
Can quickly reduce rat populations, if done properly. Must set enough traps.
Prevent rodents from dying in unwanted areas. Must choose appropriate baits, rodents can be picky especially if there is a competitive food source (dog food).
Avoid using rodenticides. Rodents are very smart and if something like a trap is placed in their pathway, they may avoid that area.

 

Rodent Baiting:

Advantages

Disadvantages

Effective control of large populations when trapping would be impractical.

May take several days for rodents to die.

Using weather resistant baits in tamper resistant bait stations provides long term control.

Rodents may die anywhere although most times it is in or near their nest.

Bait stations provides a protected and enclosed place where rodents feel more secure.

The risk of non target poisoning.

Rodent can be picky and will not eat spoiled food. Bait stations keep rodenticides fresh and palatable.

 Rodent odor after the rodent is deceased. 

Bait stations are secured so a child or animal cannot move, shake or open them.

 

May be better accepted by rats allowing them to gnaw on something.

 

 No matter what type of rat control program is utilized, trapping or baiting – it is only a small part. Exclusion, pest proofing, sanitation and harborage reduction are key to a successful protection against rodents. Rodents carry and spread diseases both directly and indirectly to humans in various manners. If you think you may have a rodent problem, contact a licensed pest management professional. Thomas Pest Services has been solving rodent and insect problems for those that live, work and play in the Capital Region and surrounding towns like Chatham, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga Springs and Queensbury with third generation experience. Rodent removal is serious, Thomas Pest Services is licensed in getting rid of rodents, contact us via phone at 1-877-518-2847, via web inquiry, Facebook or Twitter!