Trapping can be one of the most effective methods of controlling rodents, especially mice, and
trapping offers other unique advantages in control programs:  1. Traps are safe, with no potentially
hazardous baits being used,  2. traps provide quick results, and  3. traps allow for the immediate
disposal of dead rodents, thereby eliminating odor problems occurring from rodents who eat the
bait and die in inaccessible areas.

There are three main types of rodent traps:
 
1. The common snap trap

2.  The wind-up multiple catch traps, and

3.  The glue-board traps

The snap trap is familiar to everyone, has been around for years, and is used by professionals
and homeowners alike.  When using this type trap, always set out several traps in various areas
of the home.  To get better results, place the traps out with bait on them, but do not actually set
the traps for a couple of days.  Mice and Rats are suspicious creatures and need to be able to
assure themselves that these strange contraptions with food on them are safe.  After a few days
of providing free lunch for these rodents, bait the traps as usual, but this time actually set the
trap.  You will get much better results using this method.  Be sure to place these traps along
walls with the bait part of the trap nearest to the wall.

The wind up traps are more expensive, but are made of metal and are more durable than the
wooden snap traps, and are capable of catching multiple mice.  This trap relies on the natural
curiosity of mice to explore every new object placed in " their territory".  The trap is wound
up seven or eight times and whenever a mouse wanders inside, they contact a small lever which
flips them into a compartment.  The squealing of this mouse will attract others and these mice
will soon be joining their unfortunate comrade in captivity.  Disposal can be accomplished by
immersing the trap in water and drowning the captured mice or if you have a humane spirit,
you might consider taking the trap full of mice out in the country and letting them go.

The sticky trap is just as it implies, a paper board with strong adhesive applied to one side.
This board is placed along walls which are known to be runs for rodents, and is an extremely
effective method of catching mice and rats ( although there is a larger type sticky trap for these
bigger rodents).  One must be warned, though, this method is not for the squeamish, and often
rodents will still be alive and squealing when the homeowner awakens and heads to the kitchen
for breakfast.  This is not my favorite way to get rid of rodents.

The two types of bait that are used for the elimination of rodents are 1. Anticoagulants and 2.
Non-anticoagulants.

Anticoagulants cause death by disrupting the normal blood clotting mechanisms,  causing the
rodent to hemorrhage internally.  Most rodent control today is accomplished by the use of anti-
coagulants, which delays death for several days after a lethal dose is consumed.

Some types of anticoagulant bait are available to the general public as ready-to-use baits, but
specific formulations are available only to licensed pest control professionals.  Most baits used
by professionals are one-feeding type baits, where the rodent feeds on the bait, consumes a
lethal dose, and loses it's appetite.  It will become lethargic and will die in a few days.

Anticoagulants are available in food pellets, wax bars for outside use, and in packets which are
added to a water source.  This type of bait is relatively low in toxicity to humans and larger ani-
mals and uses the vitamin K1 as an antidote for accidental poisoning.

Non-anticoagulants are a single dose poison and use chemicals which are potentially dangerous
to humans and pets, such as arsenic, zinc phosphate, and strychnine.  These methods would be
used in situations where the bait could be well hidden and kept from the reach of small children
and pets.

More than 95% of all rodent control which uses chemicals as a means of destruction, is done
using food baits, with the dry pellet formulation being the bait of choice of most professional
pest control companies, including ours.

When baiting for mice, proper placement of baits and distance between placements is critically
important.  The key to successful rodent control using bait stations is to make numerous bait
placements with small amounts of bait in each placement, rather than having a few bait stations
with a lot of bait in each one.

Baits should be placed between suspected mouse harborages and their source of food.  They
should be against the wall and placed 8 to 12 feet apart, with the smaller distance relating to
a severe mouse infestation.  Put bait in suspended ceilings, attics, basements, and close to a
water source ( under sinks).

When baiting for rats, the bait stations can be placed further apart ( 15 to 50 feet), since rats
have a larger roaming territory.  If possible, put bait into rat burrows and when baiting outside
for rats, be sure to use a large enough bait receptacle to allow the rat to enter the station.

The elimination of as much of a rats natural food as possible is also helpful in the quick elim-
ination of a rodent population.  The faster they are forced to feed on your rodenticide bait,
the faster you will be rid of the problem.

Tracking powders are very effective and takes advantage of the mouse or rats habit of lick-
ing and grooming themselves ( much like a housecat).  This powder is loosely sprinkled in
the suspected roaming area of the target rodent and as the rodent walks through this powder,
it clings to it's feet and fur.  When the powder is licked off the mouse or rat by itself or another
nest member, the poisonous dust is ingested and death quickly ensues.  These powders are
almost always used by professionals, but should you encounter any, be extremely careful in
the handling and use of this substance.  It is toxic when allowed to contact the skin or when
ingested or breathed.  The best course of action for the homeowner is to use snap traps,
mechanical wind-up traps, glue boards and/or dry pellet bait.

Always follow label directions on all rodenticides  and when in doubt as to the safe handling
and/or proper disposal of a rodenticide, be sure to call your county extension agent or a mem-
ber of a professional pest control company for advice.