FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| Q: | How long does it take rodent baits to work? |
| A: | With TOMCAT Ultra rodent baits, once a rodent has consumed a lethal dose, it will die in 4 or 5 days. TOMCAT Quickstrike product works faster; rodents usually die 1 to 2 days after consuming a lethal dose. |
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| Q: | Where should I place rodent bait, a bait station or a trap? |
| A: | Look for signs of rodent activity - feces, urine stains, chew marks and hair - or listen for scratching or high squeaking sounds, particularly at night. Place rodent control products (as is appropriate) in those locations of highest activity. These locations include behind stoves or refrigerators and inside cabinets. |
| Q: | How much rodent bait do I need? |
| A: | Each package is carefully labeled in accordance with strict guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Consult the package for specific usage information. |
| Q: | Can I touch the bait? |
| A: | Yes. TOMCAT bait can be safely handled. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. With place pacs, rodents will gnaw through the pac to get to the bait. Your hands do not come in contact with the bait. |
| Q: | What's the best way to bait? |
| A: | You should begin baiting as soon as you detect a problem. Put bait in areas where you notice or suspect rodent activity, that is, where rodents will find it. Mice tend to travel only 10 to 30 feet from their nest, while a rat's home range is 100 to 150 feet. Be sure to keep bait fresh and dry, and get rid of any old or contaminated bait. |
| Q: | Are rodent baits regulated in any way? |
| A: | Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) closely controls the registration and sales of these products. All products registered must meet specific guidelines for effectiveness, fitness for use and safety. Even the wording on the exterior of every package is closely controlled. State agencies work in concert with the EPA to monitor products for compliance. |
| Q: | What active ingredients are used in Tomcat bait products? |
| A: | Tomcat Ultra: Bromadiolone Tomcat Quickstrike: Bromethalin Mole & Gopher Bait: Zinc Phosphide |
| Q: | How do I set a TOMCAT Wood Mouse Trap? |
| A: | Set the trap by pulling the U-shaped bar to the opposite end of the trap and insert the curved end of the pin into the raised end slot of the trigger. The yellow trigger has an "S" and "F", place the pin closest to the side of the trigger with the "S" for sensitive trigger reaction. For more information see Using Traps under Tips & Strategies.
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| Q: | Should I bait my TOMCAT Snap Traps? |
| A: | TOMCAT Mouse Snap Trap and Reusable Rat Trap feature a bait cup that lets you bait the trap with an attractant. Similarly, an attractant can be used on TOMCAT Wooden Rat and Mouse Traps. Attractants, such as TOMCAT Mouse Attractant GEL, improve rodent captures. Because rats are neophobic (afraid of new things), they may initially be reluctant to run through the trap. Baiting with an attractant may help entice them into the trap. |
| Q: | Should I put bait on my TOMCAT Glue Trap to improve capture rates? |
| A: | No. TOMCAT adhesive traps already include a scent that acts as a natural attractant. Adding other products may actually inhibit a trap's effectiveness. |
| Q: | How do I get the release paper off my Tomcat Glue Trap? |
| A: | Grip the release paper in one corner and "zip" it off in one smooth, continuous motion (like removing an adhesive bandage.) The paper will come right off. |
| Q: | How do I remove TOMCAT glue from unwanted surfaces? |
| A: | Removing Glue Tray From A Surface: Slowly and carefully pull the tray away from the surface it is adhered to. Most of the glue should stay in the trap. Removing Any Residual Glue:
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| Q: | How can I keep rodent baits away from my pets? |
| A: | TOMCAT Bait Stations are the ideal device to add safety to home rodent control. They will help you keep bait away from pets. Plus, they are generally extremely durable, tamper-resistant and can even be anchored to ensure they cannot be picked up or moved. However, baits can be safely used on their own by placing them in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. These areas include behind stoves, under refrigerators or even inside a cabinet where pets cannot get to the bait. |
| Q: | If my pet eats the rodent bait, could it die? |
| A: | The risk to your pet depends on what type of pet it is, how big it is, what type of bait it has consumed, as well as how much bait was consumed. If a situation occurs, immediately call the poison control number located on the package (1-877-854-2494) and a specially trained individual will assist in your next steps. |
| Q: | If my pet eats a dead poisoned rodent, will it die? |
| A: | The potential of any secondary poisoning depends on most of the same factors indicated above. Call the poison control number on your product package (1-877-854-2494) if you are concerned about a possible exposure. Occurrences of this type of poisoning are extremely rare. |
| Q: | Who should I call in case of an emergency? |
| A: | If an emergency situation occurs, immediately call the poison control number located on the package (1-877-854-2494) and a specially trained individual will assist in your next steps. This telephone number is also listed on the packaging of TOMCAT baits. |
| Q: | How much do rats and mice eat per day? |
| A: | Rats eat approximately 1 oz. of food and mice eat 1/10 oz. |
| Q: | How far do rats and mice venture from their nest? |
| A: | Norway rats generally travel up to 100 feet from their nest to their food source. Roof rats have a wide range, up to 300 feet. The house mouse stays close to its nest, usually traveling only 30 feet or so to its food source. |
| Q: | How small of an opening can rats and mice fit through? |
| A: | Rats can squeeze through a hole about the size of a nickel while mice can fit through a hole smaller than a dime. |
| Q: | Are there poisons (baits) available where rodents won’t smell when they die? |
| A: | NO. Regardless of the bait used, a natural decomposition process always takes place with a distinctive odor. |
| Q: | Are there poisons (baits) available that will make rodents go outside looking for water? |
| A: | Eating bait will not change a rodent’s “normal” water requirements. It is a myth that rodents will seek water outdoors after eating a bait and then die outdoors. There is adequate water in your home to meet all rodent needs. If water wasn't available, rodents wouldn't live there. |
| Q: | Where can I purchase TOMCAT rodent control products? |
| A: | TOMCAT rodent control products are available at wide variety of retail stores across the United States. More retailers are being added everyday. We do not sell directly to consumers. Please ask your local retailer if you are unable to find TOMCAT products in your area. |