What's the best rodent control method?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
What's the best rodent control method?
I have contacted a couple local rodent/pest control services and they only have yearly subscription services where it's more of a "control" and not exterminate service. Don't they have extermination services anymore? So, I was wondering what's the best process to exterminate them, maybe, do it myself. Thanks!
#2
Group Moderator
A lot depends on what type of problem you are having. The only information you've provided is the word "rodent". What animal is causing the problem? What are they doing? What you do for squirrels chewing holes in your soffit is different than mice in your kitchen.
#3
Forum Topic Moderator
One of the reasons that "control" is used rather than "exterminate", although I still see it in business names, is a legalistic reason. There were some court cases where it was deemed that exterminate meant permanent solution never to return again whereas control indicates that problems may re-occur due to re-infestation, variables beyond control, etc. There is no difference in the service.
This is also why you see the word "warranty" more than "guarantee" in the service industry.
Give us an idea of the type of property to be protected, the type of rodent, etc.
This is also why you see the word "warranty" more than "guarantee" in the service industry.
Give us an idea of the type of property to be protected, the type of rodent, etc.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
The issue I'm facing is mice in my attic. I've contacted several services and they require at least a one full year commitment and after I have the option of continuing their service or not. If it's an on going process (not an elimination process) which I have to shell out like $170 and up each time, I'm thinking maybe I should learn how to do it myself if it's not too time consuming and hard.
So, at this day and age, wasn't there something like an infrared pest rodent detection video with thermal imaging that I point to certain area and determine if there are mice or not? How much are those run?
So, at this day and age, wasn't there something like an infrared pest rodent detection video with thermal imaging that I point to certain area and determine if there are mice or not? How much are those run?
#5
Member
I have an infrared camera and have in fact accidentally spotted tunnels through insulation inside walls. But as a primary tool for finding rodents I don't think it would be that good. Mice are "low tech" and like to eat the bait we leave out for them.
You have two issues, eliminating the mice inside your home and sealing off all points of entrance. I'll add a third which is to address the mouse population outside your home.
Multiple traps inside will do a good job of catching the ones inside. By using multiples and paying attention to which ones catch mice the most often you can get a hint where the critters are entering, especially in the fall.
Outside you eliminate all brush piles and other places where they can live undetected up close to your house. Ever flip over a piece of plywood and see mouse tunnels and nesting? I avoid poisons both inside and out.
But step by step you will eventually reduce the population and seal off their entrances and although their numbers will never drop to zero your mouse in the attic problem will go away. But you keep a few traps all the time.
Bud
You have two issues, eliminating the mice inside your home and sealing off all points of entrance. I'll add a third which is to address the mouse population outside your home.
Multiple traps inside will do a good job of catching the ones inside. By using multiples and paying attention to which ones catch mice the most often you can get a hint where the critters are entering, especially in the fall.
Outside you eliminate all brush piles and other places where they can live undetected up close to your house. Ever flip over a piece of plywood and see mouse tunnels and nesting? I avoid poisons both inside and out.
But step by step you will eventually reduce the population and seal off their entrances and although their numbers will never drop to zero your mouse in the attic problem will go away. But you keep a few traps all the time.
Bud
#6
$170 will buy a lot of traps.
Every fall I get a lot of mice in the garage, there is just no way the doors can be sealed.
This fall I've trapped 6 which is more than average.
I just keep re-setting and eventually the problem is resolved.
I also keep traps set in the attic and bonus room year round and normally nothing but again this year one was caught in the attic!
Every fall I get a lot of mice in the garage, there is just no way the doors can be sealed.
This fall I've trapped 6 which is more than average.
I just keep re-setting and eventually the problem is resolved.
I also keep traps set in the attic and bonus room year round and normally nothing but again this year one was caught in the attic!
#7
Forum Topic Moderator
That's a lot of money for a service when all they'll do is set traps and/or rodenticide. Eventually they'll want to sell you a rodent exclusion service which can get real pricey.
I've attached a link that shows repeating and multi-catch mouse traps. It shows others types too but see if the repeating/multi-catch might be helpful to you. I've had good luck with them. I like the traps with a see-through lid. You could probably find them on Amazon or ebay and other sites as well.
Some are wind-up and others use a counter balance ramp in the traps. I've had success with both types but with the wind-ups do not overwind as that will break them and they will be useless. It happens to all of us so stop winding sooner than you think you should. You can stick a pencil in the entry to set it off once to see if you've wound it enough.
I've never used an infrared device. Do not buy the sonic repellers; they are a good sounding gimmick.
https://www.domyown.com/mouse-traps-c-21_131.html
I've attached a link that shows repeating and multi-catch mouse traps. It shows others types too but see if the repeating/multi-catch might be helpful to you. I've had good luck with them. I like the traps with a see-through lid. You could probably find them on Amazon or ebay and other sites as well.
Some are wind-up and others use a counter balance ramp in the traps. I've had success with both types but with the wind-ups do not overwind as that will break them and they will be useless. It happens to all of us so stop winding sooner than you think you should. You can stick a pencil in the entry to set it off once to see if you've wound it enough.
I've never used an infrared device. Do not buy the sonic repellers; they are a good sounding gimmick.
https://www.domyown.com/mouse-traps-c-21_131.html
Last edited by PAbugman; 12-14-18 at 11:12 AM. Reason: more info
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Many thanks for the help. The $170 is only after I paid the $230 initial price with a commitment to 12 months.
Anyway, I have tried the T-rex trap and I got one or two in the garage but then nothing more. I'm afraid that if I put this in the attic it might just fall off. Plus, I'm not real sure what parts of the attic is a good place to put them.
Besides trap, what else can I use? Is any repellent work?
Anyway, I have tried the T-rex trap and I got one or two in the garage but then nothing more. I'm afraid that if I put this in the attic it might just fall off. Plus, I'm not real sure what parts of the attic is a good place to put them.
Besides trap, what else can I use? Is any repellent work?
#9
Is any repellent work?
It's not a lot of fun but snap traps are simple, cheap, and there is no suffering!
Just have to keep at it until they are gone, you will eventually get there!
#10
Member
Also, tie your traps to something so a wounded critter can't drag them off. Frustrating when you can't find a trap.
As for where, right back to where you caught one. Plus mice like to follow walls. I like to leave small pieces of cheese all over to see where it disappears and that is where I set another trap. You have to be patient but they spend a lot of time searching all over your house.
Bud
As for where, right back to where you caught one. Plus mice like to follow walls. I like to leave small pieces of cheese all over to see where it disappears and that is where I set another trap. You have to be patient but they spend a lot of time searching all over your house.
Bud