Mice in Traps
Understanding Rodent Behavior for Better Pest Control
Rodents are known for having poor eyesight. While this is true, they rely on their strong senses of touch and smell to survive. If you’re dealing with a rodent problems, knowing how these senses work can help you control them more effectively. Here’s how to use this knowledge to your advantage:
What Rodents See and Where They Hide
Rodents aren’t completely blind. They can see objects and some colors, but they aren’t drawn to colors like flies are. Instead, they prefer dark, hidden spaces over bright, open areas. Because rodents are nocturnal, they are most active at night and naturally stick to shadows and edges of rooms or buildings.
How to Use This Information
•Rodents avoid bright lights, so they will hide in dark corners and along walls.
•Inspect problem areas at night to spot the shadows and hiding places you might miss during the day.
•Place bait stations or traps in dark, hidden spots. For example, a trap in a secluded area is more likely to attract rodents than one in a well-lit area.
How Rodents Use Pathways
Rodents often travel the same routes over and over. This is because they rely on muscle memory to navigate. Just like you can walk to your kitchen in the dark because you’ve done it so many times, rodents follow familiar paths without thinking.
Tips for Controlling Rodents on Their Paths
•Look for rodent pathways, which are often marked by smudges or greasy trails (called sebum).
•Place traps or bait stations directly on these paths to increase your chances of catching them.
•Remember, rodents stick to what they know. Using their predictable habits makes them easier to control.
The Power of Smell
Rodents use their sense of smell to find food. They don’t need to see food; they follow their nose. You can use this to make bait stations and traps more appealing.
How to Use Smell to Attract Rodents
•Bait traps with food that has a strong, attractive smell.
•Pre-bait your stations with food before using rodenticides. This builds trust and encourages rodents to visit repeatedly.
•Use traps designed to blend into the environment. This makes the trap feel natural while letting the food smells attract rodents.
Key Steps for Rodent Control
1.Inspect at Night: Use low-light inspections to find shadows and hiding places.
2.Target Their Paths: Rodents stick to predictable routes, so place traps or bait along these paths.
3.Use Strong-Smelling Baits: Enticing scents draw rodents to traps and bait stations more effectively.
By understanding how rodents use their senses, you can outsmart them. With these tips, you can solve infestations faster, and save yourself a lot of money in exterminator services. Even though rodents can’t see well, you can use their other senses to control them effectively.