Although they may be small, rodents can have a big impact. Not only are they a serious health risk, but these pests can also leave behind significant structural damage. That's why pest management professionals know that rodent infestations require a quick response. Whether you have residential or commercial clients, it's important to establish which rodent management tool works best for each unique situation. If used correctly and efficiently, bait stations can be a crucial part of your treatment plan.
Where to Place Bait Stations
To get the best results from your bait stations, it's important to be strategic during the placement. Utilizing industry knowledge and rodent behavioral patterns to inform your decisions can make the treatment process more efficient. Rats are afraid of new things in their environment, while mice are hyperactive and are known to explore. Placing bait stations in “comfort zones” ensures that they are comfortable enough to take the bait. Typically, it is recommended to use 4-5 baits for an average-sized home. If you are treating a mouse infestation, baits should be placed 15 feet apart. For rats, 25 feet is the recommended distance between baits. Professionals should place baits near the lines and shadows of the structure. Rodents hide in dark places along walls, pipes, and equipment. Placing bait stations in areas of high traffic increases the chances that each rodent in the colony will come in contact with the bait.
Monitoring and Maintenance are Key
Completing a successful treatment relies on the maintenance and monitoring of your bait stations. The product's design allows you to easily check and see if the rodents are taking the bait. Technicians should check the bait stations every 5-7 days to see if the bait needs to be replaced or to clear out dead rodents. Any rodents should be taken off the client's property for disposal, along with any feces or dirt left behind by the pest. Rodent baits should be changed out on a 4-6 week schedule. It’s important to provide fresh bait for your stations, as mold or dust can be unattractive to the pest, making it harder to eliminate the colony. Keep in mind that you may not see results immediately; it can take up to ten days for the rodents to take the bait. Regular inspections allow you to monitor new rodent activity and patterns, ensuring your treatment plan is effective.
Do Bait Stations Work Better than Traps?
Rodent traps and bait stations are both effective solutions for rodent control. The biggest difference is how long each takes to eliminate the pest. Rodent traps are ideal for immediately eliminating any rodents that come in contact with the trap. Bait stations can take 1-2 weeks after the bait is consumed to be effective. Another key difference is the placement of bait stations. Bait stations are typically placed around the perimeter of the structure, while most traps can be placed inside the home. While both treatments are equally as effective, it’s important to consider the level of infestation and treatment site when choosing your solution. In many cases, using these treatments together can give your clients powerful pest management.
Safety Precautions for Rodent Bait Stations
When handling rodent bait stations or bait, proper protective equipment should be worn at all times. Technicians should never touch bait with their bare hands. In addition to the health hazard, rodents will not take the bait if they smell human scent on the food. All bait stations should be kept away from children and other non-target animals. Extra precautions should be taken to make sure each bait station is properly stored. If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to the product label.
Powerful Pest Management
Bait stations are one of the most sought-after treatments for rodent infestations. Pest management professionals know that each infestation is unique and may require additional maintenance. Our clients expect quick and reliable service. That's why we recommend building a treatment plan using bait stations to ensure the pest is successfully eliminated.
Browse our complete line of rodent bait stations or contact our sales representatives for more information.
To learn more about rodents, check out some of our other articles:
