Embrace a variety of strategies to combat rodent control regulations

Dr. Mohammed El Damir, BCE

Commensal rodents, defined as house mice (Mus musculus), Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and roof rats (R. rattus), present persistent challenges across various settings. They demand a comprehensive approach that integrates multiple control strategies and a deep understanding of their biology and behavior.

Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored for commensal rodent control include emphasizing diverse rodenticide formulations, rotating active ingredients, thorough facility inspections, leveraging rodent monitoring technologies and strategically using cameras.

Inspection and identification

Successful commensal rodent management begins with thorough facility assessments using a three-pronged approach:

• Identify potential entry points, harborage areas and food sources that attract rodents.
• Correct concealed entryways and overhanging tree branches that rodents could exploit.
• Reduce structural weaknesses, gaps around doors and windows, cluttered storage areas and sanitation issues.

A tailored control plan based on these findings is essential to mitigating infestation risks and maintaining rodent-free environments.

To aid in inspection, consider using the following:

• Thermal imaging cameras, borescopes and inspection cameras for visual access to hard-to-reach spaces.
• Ultraviolet (UV) light devices to identify rodent urine trails and droppings.
• Acoustic detectors for capturing sounds of rodents within walls.
• Drones for inspecting large facilities and exterior areas.

(Illustration: Chris Whetzel)

Exclusion techniques

Maintaining building structures and using rodent-proofing materials such as steel wool, special sealants and mesh screens to seal entry points are crucial for rodents exclusion. This proactive step reduces the need for ongoing pest control.

Investing in exclusion complements the use of traps and baits, prevents future rodent problems and promotes sustainable pest control practices. Effective exclusion requires a close partnership with customers. It also may involve professional intervention for sealing large or complex entry points.

Most important, pest control technicians doing the exclusion work need to demonstrate they are properly trained to use ladders and work at heights safely and effectively to ensure thorough sealing of all potential entry points, including those in elevated areas where rodents may enter.

Sanitation and habitat modification

Sanitation and habitat modification play pivotal roles in preventing rodent infestations by eliminating their access to food, shelter and previous nesting sites. Consider asking customers to go through these five steps before your site visits — or charge accordingly if you are the one left with these tasks:

1. Store all food in tightly sealed containers and promptly clean up spills to remove potential food sources that might attract rodents.
2. Remove clutter, unnecessary storage items and materials such as paper or cardboard that rodents can use for nesting.
3. Use sealed garbage bins and maintain a regular disposal schedule to prevent rodent-attracting odors and reduce opportunities for rodents to scavenge.
4. Regularly clean and dispose of dead insects around exterior walls and windows to eliminate potential food sources for rodents.
5. Clean and disinfect areas where rodents have been present to remove lingering odors, urine, feces and pheromones that can attract more rodents.

Implementing these sanitation practices and modifying habitats to remove attractants creates less-inviting conditions for rodents.

This reduces the chances of infestation and supports effective pest control efforts, as poor sanitation can cause rodents to ignore rodenticides and bait traps.

Rodenticide considerations

Rodenticide strategies require a thorough understanding of rodent behavior, adherence to safety protocols, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

They serve as essential tools rather than standalone solutions in effectively managing rodent populations.

• Rotate among formulations, such as blocks, pellets, meals and seeds, to prevent rodents from developing aversion or avoidance to specific baits. This ensures continued effectiveness.
• Alternate between anticoagulants and non-anticoagulants to minimize resistance development to active ingredients over time.
• Position bait stations near entryways and areas of rodent activity per label directions and site-specific assessments. This helps maximize control while minimizing exposure to non-target species.
• In environments where ants and other scavenger pests might eat rodent bait, apply appropriately labeled insecticides around the bait stations to repel or manage them. Also, consider using rodent baits treated with insecticides or strategically placing insect baits around rodenticide stations to prevent interference with rodent control efforts.
• Regularly inspect and maintain bait stations to ensure freshness and effectiveness. Adjust bait station placements based on observed activity levels and new evidence.

Integrated trapping techniques

Place traps in areas frequently visited by rodents, using the label and situational conditions (where the lowest risk to non-targets is) as your guide.

When using snap traps, it’s crucial to bait them with substances rodents are known to accept. You may need to experiment with different baits, as a single type might not attract all rodents. Use baits that cater to the various dietary preferences of rodents and consider adding nesting materials such as dental floss or cotton balls when rodents are actively seeking them. Always take care to avoid unintended harm to non-target species.

Prompt servicing and resetting of snap traps are essential. Unset traps are ineffective in catching rodents. Regularly clean traps, and adjust their locations based on observed or documented rodent activity levels. This ensures traps continue to capture rodents efficiently while minimizing risks to non-target species.

Monitoring cameras

Cameras are increasingly evolving into indispensable tools for monitoring rodent activity, particularly in challenging infestations. Consider these benefits:

• Real-time surveillance. Strategically positioned cameras enable live monitoring of areas prone to rodent activity, facilitating prompt detection and assessment.
• Visual confirmation. Cameras provide clear visual confirmation of rodent presence, enabling technicians to rapidly identify, react and intervene.
• Behavioral analysis. Video recordings can capture detailed behavioral patterns such as movement and feeding habits, essential for refining targeted control strategies.
• Remote accessibility. Technicians can remotely access camera feeds to evaluate trap effectiveness and activity levels, optimizing response protocols without having to be physically present.
• Integration with trap systems. Cameras integrated with trap systems offer real-time feedback on trap activity, enhancing proactive pest management strategies.
• Environmental monitoring. Cameras monitor environmental variables such as temperature and humidity, influencing rodent behavior and providing contextual insights for effective management.

Cameras should be strategically placed to provide the right angles and adequate coverage; multiple cameras may be necessary depending on the size and layout of the area. Camera options range from simple models to advanced ones with smart feature capabilities, enhancing monitoring accuracy and efficiency.

Smart sensors for rodent monitoring

Sensor-based monitoring technologies have revolutionized rodent control, offering efficient methods to detect, map and estimate populations in hard-to-reach areas. These advancements save time and enhance accuracy in pinpointing rodent hot spots and risk areas:

• Efficiency and coverage. Minimize physical inspections and monitor larger areas.
• Real-time detection. Most sensors detect rodent activity instantly, mapping high-activity zones.
• Accessibility. Monitor challenging areas such as high ceilings, utility tunnels and remote locations.
• Communication and data. In most cases, technicians can receive real-time alerts and maintain detailed records of trap activity.

How smart monitoring works

• Sensors and connectivity. Detect rodent presence and trigger traps via wireless networks.
• Data analysis. Analyze trap data to understand rodent behavior and problem areas.
• Applications. Suitable for commercial and residential settings, enhancing pest management.

Stakeholder engagement

Whether homeowner, manager or other direct contact at the account, stress the importance of collaboration and awareness for sustained rodent control.

On your end, ensure you have the following in place:

• Educational outreach. Explain to customers how rodent prevention and early detection techniques can curtail problems quickly.
• Reporting policies. Encourage stakeholders to report signs of infestation promptly and collaborate on mitigation efforts.
• Focus on continuous improvement. Regularly review and adjust control strategies based on inspection findings and stakeholder feedback.

Effective commensal rodent management demands a holistic strategy that integrates customer education and communication as well as property inspection, exclusion, sanitation, rodenticide rotation, trapping techniques, and the use of sensor-based monitoring technologies and cameras.

By implementing these IPM strategies and solutions, you can achieve sustainable control, minimize resistance development, and maintain environments that are rodent-free and conducive to human habitation and business operations.