Getting Rodent Control Right – First Time!
We often hear the expression “as cunning as a sewer rat” – it might well have been
coined by a frustrated PCO struggling to control a particularly tricky infestation.
There are a few steps to follow if you want to reduce call-backs and get on top of a
problem site first time:
1. Proper Inspection: you need to know the ins and outs of the site, the
complete building and the surrounding area.
2. Know what Rodent you are dealing with: Norway Rats, Roof Rats and Mice
all display different characteristics. You need to know which pest you are
dealing with and understand those character traits.
3. Locate High Activity Areas: you need to know where the pest is most active,
understand the entry and exit points, find where they normally feed and
search out the main runways.
4. Keep accurate Records: Record and map where you discover activity, talk to
the customer and people who frequent the area, pick their brains to get a
clear picture of the problem. Map bait placements and record “hits” – it’s all
great feedback for the client, and critical for your growing understanding of
Rodent Management.
5. Don’t Underestimate the Population: One of the worst problems is underbaiting.
If you start out with too little bait you might well have ongoing
problems on the site. Keep your bait up to the problem.
6. Place Bait Stations or Traps on Active Runways: look for rub marks, hairs and
droppings. Use a blacklight torch to track urine trails – remember, rodents
won’t normally travel any distance from their normal trails.
7. Handy Hints: remember that rats are neophobic – wary and shy of new
things. Use fresh droppings in a new bait station or even on a glueboard – the
scent will encourage them and give them confidence.
8. Baits: remember that all baits are not the same, but only Bell offers four baits
to the Australian PCO with a very similar bait matrix: Ditrac (Brodifacoum) for
heavy infestations, Contrac (Bromadiolone) is a much more ecofriendly,
but
effective bait,
Rampage (Cholecalciferol) for fenceline treatments, and don’t forget to use
Detex monitoring blocks to help you answer points 1,2,3,5 &6!!
Do you guys sell the frsh droppings for the bait station as well?