All About Rat Bait Stations

 Controlling the damage caused by rats and house mice often involves the use of poison baits. Using bait stations in a rodent control program may increase the effectiveness and safety of rodent baits (rodenticides).

Bait stations are useful because they:

• Protect bait from moisture and dust, making the bait more acceptable to the target animal.
• Provide a protected place for rodents to feed, allowing them to feel more secure.
• Keep non-target animals (pets, livestock, desirable wildlife, etc.) and children away from bait that may be hazardous to them.
• Allow you to place bait in some locations where it would otherwise be difficult due to weather or potential hazards to non-target animals.
• Help prevent the accidental spilling of bait.
• Let you inspect bait easily to see if rodents are feeding.

What is a Rat Bait Station?

A rodent bait station is a small enclosure that only rodents may enter. Stations will hold either toxic rodent bait or a baited trap. This minimizes the chance that children or pets will accidentally find and ingest baits. 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 them in areas of high rodent activity.

Types of bait stations

Bait stations can be designed for rats or mice. They can also be designed to contain solid baits from grain or seed, liquid baits, or both.

Ready-made bait boxes may be purchased from commercial suppliers, or you may make them yourself. Manufactured bait boxes made of plastic, cardboard or metal are sold through hardware stores, farm supply stores, or to pest control companies (Figure 1). Bait boxes can also be built from scrap materials, and you can design homemade stations to fit your particular needs. Stations should be made out of solid materials that will not be easily knocked out of place or damaged.

Care should be taken to construct stations so that only rodents can reach the bait. Locks, seals or concealed latches are often used to make bait boxes more tamperproof.

Where to Place Bait Stations

Proper placement of bait stations is just as important as using the appropriate rodenticide. Rats and mice will not visit bait stations, regardless of their contents, if they are not conveniently located in areas where rodents are active.

Where possible, place bait between the rodents' source of shelter and their food supply. Put bait boxes near rodent burrows, against walls or along travel routes used by the pests. Rodents usually will not go out of their way to find baits. House mice seldom venture more than a few feet from their nests or food sources, so place bait stations no more than 10 or 12 feet apart in areas where mice are active. Rats are often suspicious of new or unfamiliar objects. It may take several days for rats to enter and feed in bait stations.

How to Maintain a Bait Station

When using multiple-dose (anticoagulant) baits, it is very important that they be fresh and of high quality. Rats and mice will reject spoiled or stale foods. Provide enough fresh baits for rodents to eat all they want. When you first put bait boxes out, check them daily and add fresh bait as needed. After a short time, rodent numbers and feeding will decline. You will need to check the boxes only once every two weeks or once a month. If the bait becomes moldy, musty, soiled or insect-infested, empty the box, clean it and refill with fresh bait. Dispose of spoiled or uneaten bait in accordance with the label. Follow all label directions for the product you are using.

How Can Rodent Bait Stations Be Maximized? 

Manufactured rodenticides have high success rates. Usually these baits are unconsumed due to human error. Here are some tips that will help you get optimal results with your bait stations:

Place the bait station where you’re sure rodents pass by. Signs of rodent activity like gnawings, tracks, rub marks, or droppings indicate that you’re close to their nest or food source. These rodent travel routes are the most ideal areas to keep your bait boxes.

Avoid exposing the bait box to afternoon sunshine as this can increase the heat inside the box by 20% - 30%. At this temperature, the bait will melt and the plastic container will quickly become brittle. 

Aside from locking, sealing, and concealing the latches, you need to label the bait station with warnings that say “POISON” or “DO NOT TOUCH”. It’s also important to assume that children and pets can still reach the bait box so keep it in a secure and inaccessible place. 

Prices of Rat Bait Stations in Nigeria

Bait boxes come in different sizes and design. In Nigeria, the available bait box is made of plastic. The prices range from N5,000 to N10,000. The more expensive ones can have a trap placed inside. The bait station can be bought in online stores like neatstore.ng, konga amd Jumia. The quantity also affects the price as a bait station that is sold for 6500 can go for 6000 if the quantity increases to 10pieces. 

Before purchasing or building bait stations, it’s important to discuss with pest control experts. Pest control services can understand your property, your unique circumstances, and the type of pest problem you have. They can also recommend what kind of bait you should use and where you should put your bait station for the best results. Pest control services will also offer advice and tips on how to prevent your rodent problem from recurring or becoming a full-blown infestation.