What is a Bait Station?
A rodent bait station is a box designed specifically for rats and mice. At these stations, you can kill rodents with poison, reducing the possibility that curious children or dogs will eat the baits. Using a bait station is a simple process. You can use any brand of bait and set them up in rodent-prone places.
As a preventative measure against unintentional poisoning, this apparatus contains a bait block and keeps it out of reach of children and pets. Bait stations do not constitute a trap. Do not look for dead rodents in the bait station because they do not exist there. Mice and rats visit the station, consume the poisonous bait, and then leave, typically returning to their nests where they perish one to two days later.
You shouldn’t panic if you find that some of the bait has been eaten but there is still plenty left. Even consuming a small amount of bait can kill rodents. For example, a single 1 oz bait block can eliminate as many as 12 mice, and a 4 oz bait block can take out 10 rats. Since baits can eliminate both small and large rodent populations, pest control companies frequently use them.
Rodent bait stations are very efficient. Additionally, they can be combined with other methods, such as mechanical or adhesive traps, to form an effective rodent elimination strategy. If you have a lot of rats or want to proactively control them, using baits and traps together is highly effective.
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How to Use a Rodent Bait Station
Rodent bait stations are ideal when you require effective rodent control, with the convenience of being able to kill one rodent or an entire colony. These stations allow you to effectively manage rodent pests in your home.
Small rodents like mice and rats might seem endearing in a pet store, but if you spot one running across your kitchen floor, you likely have a serious infestation. Mice and rats can have anywhere from 24 to 72 pups in a single breeding season. They spread diseases, carry dirt, and chew through various materials in homes, including doors, cupboards, walls, insulation, and even wiring, potentially causing electrical fires.
Where to Place Bait Stations
Indoors
Locations near a rodent’s nest and food source are prime spots for setting up bait stations. Suggested indoor locations include:
- Areas with gnaw marks, grease smears, or droppings along walls or corners.
- Under or behind kitchen appliances.
- Along the walls of basements, garages, or attics.
- In attics and drop ceilings above areas where rodents have been observed or heard.
Outside
When using bait stations outside, strategically place them around the perimeter of your home. Suggested outdoor locations include:
- Near the bottoms of doors and windows, including garage doors.
- Around utility service entrances and ventilation systems for crawl spaces or dryers.
- Along the perimeter of garages, outbuildings, trash/recycling bins, compost bins, and woodpiles.
Always orient station entrances toward backdrops. For child- and dog-resistant stations, avoid placing them in areas frequently visited by children and pets.
Step 1: Bait and Place
Carefully position rodent bait stations in and around buildings, targeting areas with current rodent activity. Rat stations should be spaced 25 feet apart, while mouse stations should be 15 feet apart. Most homes only require four or five bait stations. Position bait stations in well-covered regions to encourage rodent activity.
Rats prefer walls to open areas, so place stations flush against walls with the flat side facing the wall. This allows rodents to easily access the entrance holes. Once positioned, fill the bait stations with rodenticide bait and secure them.
Wearing gloves during setup will help prevent your scent from lingering, as rodents may avoid the station if they detect human scent.
Step 2: Monitor
Examine the stations every 5–7 days to check for bait consumption and replenish as necessary. As the rodent population decreases, you’ll need to inspect the stations less frequently. Continue monitoring bait and replenishing it until there are no signs of rodent activity.
Inspection and Maintenance
The only required maintenance for a rodent bait station is emptying unused bait before storing or discarding it. Wear gloves during this process and dispose of unused bait according to label instructions.
The primary function of a bait station is to securely store bait. Most bait stations are equipped with locks to prevent access by larger animals or children.
Key Takeaways
- Rodenticide bait is safer around children and pets when stored in a rodent bait station.
- Place bait stations strategically in areas of high rodent activity for maximum effectiveness.
- If you are dealing with a rodent infestation and would like professional help, On Demand Pest Control is here to assist.
