Rodent infestation is a common household problem that brings several health risks and structural hazards to a home. Once you spot a mouse or rat scurrying around the house, there’s a huge chance that there are already dozens of rodents nesting on the property. One of the most effective ways to get rid of these pests is using bait stations.
So how exactly do bait stations eliminate rodents at home? Unlike trapping devices that catch rodents or kill them instantly, bait stations only hold poisonous bait that attracts mice and rats. These pesky rodents don’t die inside the bait station – they only enter the station to eat the bait and die somewhere else within a few days.
Rodents like mice and rats are dirty creatures that carry diseases and cause damage to a home. It’s crucial to solve the infestation in its early stages to prevent these pests from causing further harm to the home and family.
Aside from trapping them, rodent poisons are also effective in killing these rodents. However, rodenticides are also harmful to pets and humans as they are to pests. In 2019 alone, there were a total of 8,734 reported cases of rodenticide poisoning in the country.
But thanks to bait stations, homeowners confidently use rodent poisons without worrying about the potential poisoning. This device produces dozens of rodent kills while maintaining a tamper-resistant feature. Homeowners only need to store the replacement baits in a secure place away from the reach of pets and children.
Although they both aim to get rid of rats in the property, traps and bait stations are two devices that operate differently. Rodent traps lure mice and rats out of their hiding and kill them instantly, but bait stations don’t trap these pesky rodents. This device only houses the bait block – a strong rodent poison that smells and looks like rodent food.
When the rodent smells the bait block from the station, it freely enters the device to bite a portion of the bait. It eventually leaves the station to turn up dead somewhere else within one to two days.
Since rodent baits are poisonous, they harm pets and humans who accidentally consume the bait. Rodent bait stations are designed to prevent tampering from pests and children. Most bait stations also have see-through tops that allow homeowners to monitor the amount of bait left.
Bait stations are effective enough that professional exterminators also utilize them. Unlike mouse traps that only catch one rodent at a time, bait stations work as long as there is enough poison for the rodents.
A single ounce of bait kills around twelve mice while four ounces is enough to eliminate ten rats. Once the rodent bites a bit of the poison, it only takes up to 48 hours before they die in their nest. Placing multiple bait stations around the house quickly solves the rodent infestation before they multiply further and cause more damages.
The main advantage of using bait stations over other rodent control methods is because it kills multiple rodents at a time. The tamper-resistant stations also work well to protect the pets and children from accidentally ingesting the poison. Here are other key advantages that bait stations offer:
| Pros | Cons | |
| Disposable Bait Station | Single-use bait stations allow no-mess disposal. You don’t need to deal with replacing the bait block or finding a safe place to store them. | This type of bait station only works best for small rodent problems on the property. |
| Refillable Bait Station | For rodent problems that persist throughout the year, refillable bait stations are the better choice. | Bait blocks are harmful to pets and children when accidentally ingested, so make sure to store the extra bait blocks out of their reach. |
Choosing between disposable or refillable bait stations depends on the severity of the infestation in the home. If you’re dealing with a few mice or rats, disposable bait stations effectively get rid of these pests. You won’t need to deal with a fussy setup or disposal process – just place it along the wall or in areas with recent rodent activity.
But for homeowners that experience recurring rodent infestations in their house, it’s better to buy a refillable bait station and stock up on bait blocks. Just make sure to wear the appropriate protective gear when replacing the rodent bait and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent accidental poisoning. It’s also crucial to store the bait block inside a tight container that’s out of children’s reach.
Bait stations were created to provide quick results without harming anyone in the family. If the rodent population doesn’t seem to decrease even after days of using the bait stations, you might be using it wrong. Here are a few tips to optimize bait station efficiency in the house:
Different classifications of rodenticides were decided based on how they affect rodents. It’s essential to learn how different baits work to find out which one works best for the rodents on the property. Here the three types of bait commonly used in bait stations:
The best placement for rodent bait stations is anywhere between their nest and usual food source. Check the area for different signs of rodent activity, such as track marks, gnaw marks, droppings, and urine smell. This ensures that rodents frequently stroll around that area, giving the bait station more chances to kill the pests.
Here are lists of optimal places for bait stations inside and outside the house:
Another placement factor to consider is the spacing between two bait stations. This depends on the rodent species you’re baiting. Bait stations for mice should be around 8 to 12 feet apart from each other, while rat bait stations should be spaced around 15 to 30 feet away from the other. Professional exterminators typically recommend utilizing more bait stations for severe rodent infestations.
Rodent control isn’t done yet after the bait stations have been placed. It’s important to monitor the device regularly to check if the bait needs to be replaced. If the bait disappears rapidly but there are no dead rodent sightings yet, the infestation might be worse than anticipated. Add more bait stations around the house to kill more rodents quickly.
Our rodent control services here at Positive Pest Management guarantees the safe and effective removal of all rodents on the property. We utilize different techniques and tools, such as traps and bait stations to ensure a rodent-free home for our clients. Our service areas include residential and commercial customers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
At Positive Pest Management, we also take pride in our customer service that exceeds the client’s expectations. Our highly trained staff are prepared to answer all your questions about different extermination concerns. Feel free to call us at 1-800-294-3130 whenever you need excellent pest control services.
Learn more: How to Clean Reusable Mouse Traps
