The Best Rodent Bait Stations

A rodent bait station is a small enclosure that only rodents may enter. It holds either toxic rodent bait or a baited trap. This minimizes the chance that children or pets will accidentally find and ingest bait. It also helps contain crumbs and other morsels left behind by rodents. Bait stations are easy to use. Just add your chosen bait or trap and place it in areas of high rodent activity.

Recommendation

We recommend the Solutions Tamper-Proof Rodent Bait Station. Its durable plastic construction protects the bait from the weather, children, and unwanted animal attention. It is also flexible and can be used to bait all types of rats and mice.

User Guide

Step 1: Bait and Place

Solutions Rodent Bait Stations should be placed strategically in and around structures based on rodent activity. For rats, stations should be 25 feet apart, and for mice, 15 feet apart. Generally, 4 to 5 bait stations are enough to protect an average-sized home. Bait stations should be placed in areas where there is good coverage so rodents will feel safe approaching and entering them.

Because rats do not travel in open spaces, preferring to run along walls, stations should be placed against walls with the flat side of the station up against the wall so rodents have easy access to the entrance holes on either side. Once you’ve determined the number needed and where to place them, load your bait stations with your preferred rodenticide bait or trap and lock and secure them before putting them.

Wear gloves when handling stations to prevent your scent from being left behind. Rodents may detect your scent and avoid the station. 

Step 2: Monitor

The stations should be checked once every 5 to 7 days to see if more bait needs to be placed. Once the rodent population decreases, the stations must be checked less often. Check and replace the bait as needed until you no longer notice any signs of rodent activity and no bait is being taken.

Inspection and Maintenance

Very little maintenance is required on rodent bait stations other than cleaning out any unused bait if it is going to be stored or disposed of. When clearing out unused bait from the stations, make sure to wear gloves and dispose of it as directed on the label.

Parts

Bait stations are mostly just housing for bait. As such, they have few parts. Many bait stations have a lock that prevents tampering from larger animals or children.

Key Takeaways

• Rodent bait stations greatly reduce the risk to children and non-target animals when using rodenticide bait.
• Be strategic about where to place them. They need to be placed in areas of high rodent activity with good coverage so the rodents will feel comfortable enough to approach and enter them.