6 Keys to Successfully Control Rats and Mice

1. Choose the right product for the job.
Your choice of rodent control product depends upon several factors, including:

• the type of problem you’re experiencing – mouse or rat problems
• the severity of the problem – a bad infestation, minor problem, occasional intruder
• environmental conditions – indoors or outdoors, the presence of children and pets,
   sanitation conditions, single dwelling or apartment complex,
• control preferences – how comfortable you are using a particular method of control 

2. Place product where rodents travel.
An inspection of the premises will reveal the problem areas and the species involved - mice or rats (See Meet the Pests for complete descriptions). Place bait or traps where rats or mice will find it, usually along their runways next to walls or where you’ve seen droppings, nesting materials, gnaw marks, burrows or other signs of rodents. 

The  idea is to place the bait or trap where it will intercept the rodent traveling from its nest to food source. Their home range varies:

• Mice typically travel between 10 and 30 feet from their nest to their food source.
• Rats will travel between 25 and 100 feet from their nest or burrow to their food source.

Remember, rodents are climbers and may be traveling along pipes, beams, false ceilings as they move from their nests to feeding areas. Always place rodent control products out of the reach of children and pets.


3. Place enough product placements.
A common mistake in controlling rats and mice is underestimating their numbers, and consequently not putting out enough bait or traps. Place enough bait or traps to get rid of all of them.  Otherwise, they will reproduce and the problem will start over again.

 Rodent device placement inside buildings depends on the rodent you are dealing with.  Below are suggested guidelines but place more devices closer together for severe problems.

• For mice, space placements at 8-12 foot intervals. depending on the severity of the problem.
• For rats, space placements at 15-30 foot intervals depending on the severity of the infestation

Keep up a fresh supply of bait and remove any spoiled or rancid bait, or continue to re-set traps until rodents are gone. Move devices, if you’re not getting results.


4. Read the product label before using product.
With bait, the label is the law. Before using any product, read the instruction carefully. The label instructions give useful information on bait or trap placement.


5. Use bait stations wherever and whenever safety is a concern.
When using rodent baits and traps, place them in tamper-resistant bait stations if children, pets and other animals are present. These bait stations are available in different sizes to accommodate rats and mice. Like other devices, place bait stations along rodent runways with the entry holes next to the wall. 


6. Eliminate the rodents’ food, water and harborage, wherever possible.
Reduce the chances of having a severe or persistent rodent problem by applying rodent-proofing measures, such as plugging holes where rodents are entering buildings. Get rid of the rodent’s food and water, whenever possible. Store food in containers. Clean up the problem area by getting rid of clutter. Disrupting the rodent’s environment stresses them and may send them scurrying.