:: neighborly advice

Rodent Control

Rodent control this time of year can be a very "trying experience." Bait stations are useful because they:

• protect bait from moisture and dust;
• provide a protected place for rodents to feed, allowing them to feel more secure;
• keep other animals (pets, livestock, desirable wildlife, etc.) and children away from toxic baits;
• allow you to place bait in some locations where it would otherwise be difficult because of weather or potential hazards to non-target animals;
• help prevent the accidental spilling of bait;
• let you inspect bait easily to see if rodents are feeding on it.

Bait stations used in rodent control programs may increase both the effectiveness and safety of rodent baits (rodenticides). A flat board nailed at an angle between the wall and floor protects rodent bait from non-target animals and allows rodents to feed in a sheltered location. The board should be at least 18 inches long to keep pets and children from reaching the bait. Bait stations for mice should have entrances 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Stations for mice can be considerably smaller than those for rats. A cigar box about 10 x 6 x 2 inches high, with a hole in each end is ideal for mice. Rodent bait stations can be made from a length of pipe. Pipe diameter should be 2 to 3 inches for mice; and 3 1/2 to 6 inches for rats. More elaborate stations are completely enclosed and can contain liquid as well as solid rodent baits. Hinged lids provide convenient inspection of permanent stations.

Bait stations work best when you use commonly available commercial rodent baits. Most of these baits are multiple-dose (anticoagulant) rodenticides. For these baits to be effective, rodents must feed on them over a period of days. Label instructions on such baits typically state, "Provide an uninterrupted supply of bait for at least 15 days or until all signs of feeding have stopped." Bait stations should be large enough to allow several rodents to feed at once. They can be as simple as a flat board nailed at an angle between the floor and wall or a length of pipe into which bait can be placed. All types of mice poisons sold at The Mercantile will work in these bait stations.