How smart traps can revolutionize your rodent control business
Rodent snap traps are invaluable pest control tools because they can be an effective and non-toxic solution towards eliminating rodents.
However, despite these benefits, traditional traps can be very time-consuming to use well. Rodents run in hard-to-reach places, like drop ceilings, rafters, crawlspaces and behind heavy equipment. This makes accessing traps in rodent runways difficult, which can be especially frustrating for technicians if the traps do not have rodents captured.
Placing traps and checking traps can also be dangerous work. For example, ladder-related falls are one of the most common workplace injuries in America. One of the best ways to protect the PMP workforce from risk is to reduce their time spent on ladders and other elevated locations.
A simple solution to some of these problems, iQ smart rodent traps, powered by Bell Sensing Technologies (BST), are increasingly adopted by industry professionals for these reasons Easy to use and innovative iQ smart traps are tools that can transform a PMP’s business, by giving them the ability to provide better, data-driven service while improving workplace safety, job satisfaction, and efficiency.
Optimize Trap Placement
Every trapping program starts with a detailed inspection. Rodents have distinct habits, and PMPs need to tailor their approach for each unique account. Once a PMP identifies high-activity areas – indicated by droppings, urine stains, or sebum marks – they should strategically place traps there.
Smart traps, like the T-Rex iQ rat trap and the coming-soon Mouse iQ trap are helpful tools, which streamline the trapping process. iQ snap traps feature integrated sensors and antennae to track rodent activity.
Instead of crawling into tight spaces, technicians can check traps with their iQ App via Bluetooth to see if there’s been a capture.
Pre-baiting for success:
For optimal results with snap traps, PMPs should start by pre-baiting. Pre-baiting is placing a trap, without activating, to gain rodents’ trust. To pre-bait:
- Set the trap backward against a wall,
- Bait the trap with a non-toxic monitor. For example, PMPs can use DETEX Soft Bait and Provoke gel for rats or mice. In food-rich accounts, bait with nesting materials like cotton balls instead.
- Leave the traps for 3 to 7 days, giving rodents time to investigate the traps and cover them with their scent.
After the pre-baiting period, set the traps and face them toward the wall. The next rodent that walks toward the trap will likely fall victim, lured into a false sense of security by the days spent taking bait from an unarmed trap.
Leverage data to stay ahead of rodent infestations
Smart traps give PMPs the information they need to offer more effective and proactive service.
iQ Products automatically create reports on the free Bell Sensing portal, allowing PMPs to see where rodents are traveling at accounts. By placing more traps in areas with high rodent activity, PMPs can target infestations before they take over.
Similarly, smart rodent control products also take the guesswork out of rodent control. Instead of estimating the severity of an infestation based on rodent signs, PMPs can use rodent activity data to see exactly how many rodents interact with traps or bait stations each day.
Turn data into sales opportunities
The data offered by smart rodent control products can help PMPs drive business growth.
iQ Products create historical account data, which PMPs can be share with existing and new customers to show them how control has made a difference over a specific service period.
Data can also be used to highlight service needs. For example, a PMP can use activity data to justify further service, such as using rodenticides, after exclusion and trapping proves insufficient.
Finally, the data offered by smart rodent monitoring devices and traps can simplify compliance for customers. iQ’s reports are accepted by most major auditors. PMPs can also share post-visit summaries and historical reports with their customers at the click of a button, automating tedious paperwork tasks.
Boost efficiency and expand your business
As businesses grow, manually checking standard traps becomes more impractical. Though traditional traps can be more economical up front, the labor needed to repeatedly check empty traps again and again will limit business growth.
According to a time study run by Bell, PMPs can service accounts set with iQ devices 78% faster compared to servicing those set with traditional products. This efficiency gives PMPs time to service more accounts, increase profits, and focus on other critical tasks – like performing thorough inspections and exclusion, as well as building lasting relationships with their customers.
Smart Traps: The Future of Rodent Control
Smart traps are redefining the rodent control industry by combining cutting-edge technology with practical benefits for PMPs and their clients. By embracing these innovations, pest control businesses can offer superior service, enhanced safety, and unlock new opportunities for growth —all while staying one step ahead of rodent infestations.
