Pest Control Shop

Toxic baits are often used to reduce the damage caused by Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice (Mus musculus). Bait stations used in rodent control programs increase both the effectiveness and safety of rodent baits (rodenticides).

• Bait stations are useful because they:
• protect bait from moisture and dust;
• provide a protected place for rodents to feed, allowing them to feel more secure and consume more bait;
• keep nontarget species, including pets, livestock, wildlife, and children away from toxic baits;
• allow bait to be placed in otherwise difficult locations given weather or potential hazards to nontarget animals;
• help prevent accidental spillage; and
• offer the applicator easy access to bait, making it easier to determine the amount of bait consumed by rodents, and to refill.

Types of Bait Stations

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)

Stations also differ in the type of materials used for their construction, including plastic, metal and other materials.

To protect people and nontarget species, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that a commercially produced bait station meet eight safety criteria before it receives the designation “tamper resistant.” The complete EPA Pesticide Registration Notice can be obtained at http://www.epa.gov/PR_Notices/old/pr94-7.html. Tamper resistant stations must be:

1. Resistant to destruction or weakening by weather.
2. Strong enough to prohibit entry or destruction by dogs or children under 6 years of age using their hands, feet or objects.
3. Capable of being locked or sealed.
4. Equipped with rodent entrances that readily allow target animals access to baits but deny access to larger animals and birds.
5. Capable of being anchored (and must be anchored when used).
6. 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.
7. Made of design and color not especially attractive to children.
8. Capable of displaying precautionary statements in a prominent location.

 

Manufacturers meet the safety criteria by constructing bait stations out of sturdy plastic, designed with two chambers positioned in a way that forces the rodent to take a 90 degree turn to access the bait. Finally, the station must be securable to the floor, heavy patio stone or a wall to prevent the bait from being removed by shaking. If the station is in proximity of hoofed livestock or wildlife, such as raccoons, stronger building materials (aluminum) may be needed.

The color of the bait station plays a critical role in station success when used outside. When placed in direct sunlight, black and clear stations become solar collectors. Internal station temperatures can reach as high as 165°F and melt the bait. Also, clear plastic stations have been known to become brittle during freezing temperatures. If stations are to be placed in areas exposed to direct sunlight, choose those that are gray or white.