Bait stations work best when used with commercial rodent baits. If you prefer to construct your own bait station, it is strongly recommended that you consider the safety of non target species and strive to meet the federally mandated safety standards Lake Charles Mosquito Control.
To meet the variety of demands for rodent control, manufacturers have developed designs for several bait stations. The designs are based on whether the station needs to:
target rats or mice,
contain solid (pellets and block) or liquid bait,
sustain indoor or outdoor use,
resist tampering,
hold traps (snap and glue)
In order the meet the standard for bait stations, make sure that it is tamper resistant. Tamper resistant stations must be:
Resistant to destruction or weakening by weather.
Strong enough to prohibit entry or destruction by dogs or children under 6 years of age using their hands, feet or objects.
Capable of being locked or sealed. \
Equipped with rodent entrances that readily allow target animals access to baits but deny access to larger animals and birds.
Capable of being anchored (and must be anchored when used).
Equipped with internal structures for containing baits and minimizing spillage and tracking of bait outside of the station or into readily accessible parts of the station.
Made of design and color not especially attractive to children.
Capable of displaying precautionary statements in a prominent location.
How to maintain your stations
Maintain the bait stations regularly with fresh anticoagulant bait to keep rodent numbers at a low level, as rodents will move in from other areas. When using baits, monitor their freshness and quality, as rats and mice will often reject spoiled or stale foods. Provide enough fresh bait for rodents to eat sufficiently, but don’t overfill bait stations. When initially positioning bait stations, check them daily and add fresh bait as needed. After a short time, rodent numbers and feeding will decline, and surveillance of stations will only be necessary every two weeks or so. If the bait becomes moldy, musty, soiled, or insect-infested, empty the bait station, clean it, and refill it with fresh bait. Always wear appropriate safety equipment as specified by the label, including disposable gloves, glasses/goggles, and a mask during the cleaning process to protect yourself from exposure to the toxicant and rodent excrement in the station.
Permanent bait stations can be placed inside buildings and along the outside walls of buildings that are not rodent-proof. Avoid placing stations away from structures, such as along fence lines or the perimeter of the property. Perimeter placements may endanger non target species, while not substantially increasing target species control.