As rodent season rolls around, the pressure to manage infestations increases. A well-thought-out baiting strategy can make all the difference in controlling rodents effectively and responsibly. Whether you're dealing with a few mice or a more widespread rat problem, doing it right ensures better results and minimises risks.
Why Is Baiting Correctly So Important?
Proper baiting isn’t just about getting rid of pests; it’s about ensuring long-term success while keeping the environment and non-target animals safe. Incorrect baiting can lead to prolonged infestations, accidental poisonings, and even bait resistance in rodent populations. This is why taking a thoughtful approach to bait placement, type and maintenance is crucial.
What Happens If You Bait Incorrectly?
Baiting incorrectly can cause more harm than good. If the wrong bait is used or placed in areas where rodents aren't active, you’ll likely see no improvement in your rodent problem.
Poor bait station management and wrong placement can lead to accidental exposure for non-target animals, pets, or in extreme cases children. Additionally, incorrect bait usage can result in rodents becoming bait-shy, making future control efforts much more challenging.
Oakwood Services Director and Lodi’s Technical Advisor Dave Reece says “There are limitations on where you can place certain baits; for example, grain bait cannot be placed inside the grain store, so blocks or paste would be better suited there.”
Top 5 Tips for Baiting Correctly
1. Know Your Rodent
Understanding the type of rodent you’re dealing with is key. Rats and mice behave differently, so the bait and the method you choose should be species-specific. For instance, rats are more cautious and prefer established “runs”, while mice are more curious and might explore new bait stations more quickly. Tailoring your baiting strategy to the rodent species will lead to more effective results.
2. Bait Box Placement
Location, location, location! Rodents prefer moving along walls and hidden areas. Place bait boxes in strategic locations like dark corners, along skirting boards, or in burrows. Ensure that the bait is in areas where rodents are most likely to pass through, but away from places where pets and children can accidentally interact with it.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Rodent activity often increases with changes in weather or construction nearby. Be mindful of what’s happening around your property. Nearby disruptions might drive more rodents to seek shelter, making it essential to adjust your baiting strategy accordingly. Also, ensure the environment around bait stations is clear of food sources that could distract rodents from your bait.
4. Pick Your Poison
Different baits work in different ways, so choosing the right one is crucial. Some baits act quickly, while others may take a few days to show results. Our Lodi’s Gems range of baits offers highly effective formulations and provides multi-feed and single-feed alternatives. We are the only UK manufacturer to offer three families of active ingredient in a choice of baits and formulations. Forming part of the Lodi’s Gems range, Harmonix Rodent Paste has no known resistance, with 50% less bait, working in as little as 7 days. Always evaluate the level of infestation and environmental concerns before selecting your bait.
5. Monitor & Maintain
Baiting isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. You must regularly check your bait stations to ensure they’re still effective. If the bait is gone or contaminated, replenish it promptly. Regular monitoring also helps you gauge how effective your efforts are and whether you need to adjust your approach.
Types of Baiting Strategies
There are different baiting strategies you can do, depending on the severity of the infestation and the environment you’re dealing with. Pulse baiting is effective for larger infestations, where you place bait in high-density rodent areas, check frequently, and replenish as necessary. Perimeter baiting involves placing bait stations around the boundaries of a property to prevent rodents from entering, which is ideal for ongoing prevention. For more immediate results in smaller infestations, continuous baiting involves keeping bait consistently topped up and available at all times, but this requires vigilant monitoring to avoid overuse or accidental exposure. Choosing the right strategy helps ensure the best results are achieved with the least environmental impact.
Our Top Baiting Products
To make your rodent control efforts even more effective, we recommend these top-quality baiting solutions:
- Racan: Known for its rodent proofing, chemical free solutions, traps, cages and baits - powerful formulas and proven effectiveness., Racan is a trusted choice for both professionals and DIY users alike.
- Lodi’s Gem Buckets: Your one-stop-shop for rodent control. These convenient and ready-to-use bait options provide an easy solution for both minor and major infestations. Solutions for all, available in professional and amateur alternatives.
- Harmonix Rodent Paste: A safer, more environmentally conscious bait, Harmonix offers excellent results with reduced toxicity, making it a great option for sensitive environments.
With these tips and the right products from Lodi UK, you can be confident in your ability to handle rodent season like a pro. For more information on our products and expert advice, visit Lodi UK’s Pest Control Solutions.
RELATED DOWNLOADS
