Rodent Myths

This page is a general article that discusses common myths associated with rodents such as rats and mice. Throughout this page you will find links to effective rodent control and learn accurate information and facts about this persistent pest.

Rat and mice infestations are an age old problem, yet false information still attaches to these pests. When searching rodents on the internet you can easily become overwhelmed with the amount of information, DIY articles, and products surrounded these pests.

One stigma that multiple articles and websites can agree on is the immediate call to action of removing these pests from your home or yard. When rodents settle in your property or home they quickly begin to forage for food by gnawing and chewing on furniture, appliances, and even electrical wiring. Needless to say the damage is not ideal, but neither is the diseases and filth they carry as they move about. It is no wonder that rats and mice seem so uninviting.

While many myths you come across may sound reasonable, some can cause more damage than good. Our DIY guide will help to expose common misconceptions associated with rats and mice and provide complete rodent control through the use of our recommended products and tips. To learn more information about rodent control, then follow the links attached to this article or speak with our trained representatives through phone or email.

Myth: Rodents Do Not Pass Away Inside Homes

Many homeowners assume that rodents will pass away outside of the home in search of water after ingesting rodenticide products. This stereotype arises from the unfortunate encounters of canines or felines inadvertently ingesting rat poison, which sometimes causes increased thirst in the animals.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for dogs or cats seeking an area that is outside of their home in order to perish. Due to these encounters, many individuals believe this is the same case for rodents when they ingest rat poison.

Fact: Currently, there are no known rodenticide products that have successful rates or data of rodents leaving a structure to perish. Depending on the location of rodent bait and time to kill on the products label will determine where the rodent will pass away.

Rodents are excellent climbers with their long tails acting as support as they climb furniture or walls. These characteristics allows for rodents to perish within walls, underneath homes foundation, attics, basements, and other hard to reach areas.

One of the easiest methods to contain the location of where the rodent will perish is to use a Solutions Professional Rat/Mouse Glue Tray. Rodents that come across this trap will become entangled and unable to move very far.

Myth: Cheese is the Best Bait for Rodent Traps

Depictions throughout cartoons and movies has influenced society into believe that cheese is the ideal bait for mouse traps. While cheese can be used as a bait it is not a recommendable option for rodent traps. Reason being is cheese can be easily moved by rodents without setting off the trap.

Fact: Rats and mice are omnivores, meaning they can eat either plant or meat that can easily be carried off. This means that anything you eat a rat or mice can eat too. Most rodent traps will consist of peanut butter since they are high in aroma for rats or mice to smell and cannot be removed off the trap without triggering it.

A rule of thumb to avoid common rodent trap mistakes is to use a variety of baits such as peanut butter (mixed with seeds to further entice rodents), chocolate, and small clumps of meat.

Myth: Certain Animals Will Repel Rodents

Cats, dogs, owls, bats, and snakes are natural predators of rats and mice, but some home owners assume this is enough to deter rodents. Rats and mice are smart and innovative creatures that can crawl into or on top of tight spaces, furniture, and walls to avoid these predators.

Another factor to consider is your pets may not hunt rodents if they are well fed, which can allow rat and mice populations to quickly increase. Other predators such as owls and snakes, can only hunt rodents on the outside your home and have large territories to hunt from. Meaning it is possible that days can go by without owls or snakes hunting rodents on your property.

Fact: Rodent baits and bait stations are best for elusive and large populations of rodents. Rodent baits such as Eratication quickly eliminate the rodent within 2 to 4 days after ingestion and entice rats or mice with its peanut butter and seed ingredients.

The bait is in the form on a block with a hole in the center to place easily onto bait stations. For maximum results, place the bait stations laid with Eratication bait against your homes foundation, suspected rodent burrow, and other areas with activity.

Best thing about this product is that it provides complete protection from children, pet, weather, and other non-target animal interaction.

Myth: Only Dirty Homes and Neighborhoods Attracts Rodents

Rodents are not particular to how clean or dirty your home is. Homeowners provide the three things each creature needs to live which is water, food, and shelter. If rodents can find an opening into your home then they will invade.

Fact: To prevent rodent infestations indoors eliminate hide away spots such as pulling furniture away from the wall or closing openings and holes with copper mesh. Outside your home, clear any dense vegetation, wood piles, and appliances (tractors, old cars, etc.) to prevent safe havens for outdoor rodent infestations. Once holes have been filled with copper mesh, then use expandable foam to seal.

Myth: Presence of Rodents During Day Means Severe Infestation

The movement of rats and mice typically keep them out of eyesight, which is why witnessing these creatures during the day is shocking.

Homeowners are led to believe that witnessing these rodents in the open and during daylight means there is a severe infestation. There are numerous reasons for rodents to be active during the day, but none suggest severe rodent infestations.

Fact: Rats are nocturnal, but will emerge from their nest when they are hungry or thirsty. If there have been no attempts such as mouse traps or bait, this can create a false sense of courage in rodents. Rodents who feel comfortable within their environment can be visible during daylight hours and not travel against or within the walls of your home.

Other reasons could suggest that available food sources are only accessible during the day, which can contribute to daylight rodent visitations.

Key Takeaways

What Products Causes Rodents to Pass Away Outside Your Home?

• The short answer is none. Rodenticide products cannot guarantee that a rodent will travel outside your home to perish. The only way to determine where a rodent will expire is the placement of the trap and time to kill on the products label.

What is the Best Way to Maintain Rodent Populations?

• Rats and mice are shy to new objects, but through continuous lay-meant of traps with peanut butter baits such as Eratication can help to eliminate populations. It is recommendable to seal and plug small to large holes with copper mesh and expandable foaming agent. Along, with the removal of overgrow brush and other types of foliage, and pulled away furniture from walls. By reducing the locations for rodents to hide in and outside your home can effectively control rat and mice populations.

What Attracts Rodents to Your Home?

• Rodents will visit homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Typically, rats and mice will infest homes that are easy to get into no matter if the premises are clean or filthy.