The baits you use to trap rodents can have a significant impact on your catch rate and a thorough knowledge of alternate rodent baits will help. Fortunately, there are plenty of baits you have at your disposal. In fact, you may find some surprising ones on the list below. But, first, some general rodent bait tips.
8 TIPS FOR USING RODENT BAITS
- Rodents are fickle creatures. Alternate not only the baits you use but also where you place the traps if you are not having success.
- When it comes to traps, the more the merrier. Indeed, placing several traps spread out will increase your likelihood of a catch.
- When it comes to bait amount, less is probably more. You should use just enough to fill the bait containers on snap and wooden traps. This is usually about ½ gram – the size of a kidney bean. Adding too much bait may actually hurt the performance of the trap.
- If you are using a glue trap chances are it is already pre-scented. If you do use baits with glue boards be sure to avoid oily substances like peanut butter that might impact glue performance.
- Let the rodents smell the bait, not you. Rodents can smell your scent well after you have touched a trap. As a result, use gloves when setting a trap.
- Leave some bait on the trap before you set it. Rodents are cautious, baiting before you set the trap will allow them to get used to the trap in their environment. Once they are accustomed to taking the bait they are far more likely to return once the trap is set.
- Stop the rodents before you even have to trap. First, do a thorough inspection of your property and then be sure to seal up any holes like cracks in foundations or gaps in door stops. An adult mouse only needs a hole the size of a dime to get inside your house.
- If baits aren’t working consider creating a “Hansel and Gretel” trail leading up to your trap.
The Not-So-Complete List of Alternate Rodent Baits
Full disclosure – this list is in no way meant to be complete. Furthermore, different baits work for different people in different locations. Do you have a bait that isn’t on this list? Without a doubt, we would love to hear in the comments below.
Protein-based baits
- Peanut butter (consider possible repercussions of this allergen first)
- Soy butter
- Beef jerky
- Bacon
- Seeds
- Thin slices of hot dogs or sausage
- Nuts (Nuts should only be use sparingly & perhaps should be steered clear of altogether, particularly in areas like food processing plants)
- Snails or slugs
- Pet food
- Rodent droppings
- Bacon bits
- Beef grease, like the drippings from a steak, good for hard and unusual situations
- Granola (submitted by Junior Delacruz)
- Cheese
- Sunflower Seeds
- Hot Sauce
Sweet baits
- Marshmallows
- Gum drops
- Chocolate
- Dried fruit
- Berries
- Nutella
- Honey
- Cereal
- Maple syrup
- Rodent
- Molasses
- Jelly
- Liquorice
- Candy bars
- Peanut butter cups
One area to consider if you aren’t have any luck with food-based baits – nesting material! Just as rodents will seek out food for energy they will also seek out materials for home, particularly females.
Nest material bait
- Cotton balls (pro tip – use vanilla extract to “sweeten” the deal)
- Shredded paper towels
- Fabric scraps
- Dental floss
- Yarn
- Twine
- Cardboard
- Packaging materials
- Straw
- Pillow batting
Don’t forget to alternate
Hopefully the first bait you choose gets the job done but, remember, if your chosen bait isn’t working try something else. There’s a reason there are so many options!
Did we miss your go-to bait? Let us know in the comments!
