Rodent Control Home > Prevent Rodent Infestations
Trap Up!
Trap rodents around the home to help reduce the rodent population.
Baiting a snap trap with peanut butter.
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Choose an appropriate snap trap. Traps for catching mice are different
from those for catching rats. Carefully read the instructions before setting the trap.
When setting the
trap, place a small amount of peanut butter (approximately the
size of a pea) on the bait pan of the snap trap. Position
the bait end of the trap next to the wall so it forms a "T" with
the wall. Rodents
prefer to run next to walls or other objects for safety and do not being out in the open.
.
Positioning snap trap so it forms a "T" with the wall.
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In attics, basements, and crawlspaces and other areas that do not have regular human traffic, set traps in any area where there is evidence of frequent rodent activity. Some rodents, particularly rats, are very cautious and several days may pass before they approach the traps. Other rodents, such as house mice and deer mice, are less cautious and may be trapped more quickly.
We do not recommend using glue traps
or live traps. These traps can scare mice that are caught live
and cause them to urinate. Since their urine may contain germs,
this may increase your risk of being exposed to diseases.
Also place traps in outbuildings and in areas that might likely serve as rodent shelters. Natural rodent predators, such as non-poisonous snakes, owls, and hawks, may also help control and reduce the number of rodents outside the home.
If you trap inside your home, but do not seal up rodent entry holes, new rodents will enter the dwelling. For information on how to seal up holes inside and outside the home, please see the Seal Up! page.
Seal Up! | Trap Up! | Clean Up!