The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has called on Nigerians to be  cautious using rodenticides (rat poisons) as rodents control measure in their buildings and vicinity, especially in the wake of the Lassa fever outbreak which has made rodents control more pertinent. According to Dr. Kehinde Kembonta of the Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, pests are organisms found in the wrong place at a particular time. They are destructive and unwanted organisms that are harmful to plants and animals. Included in this category are rodents, fungi, nematodes, weed, bacteria, and mycotoxins. To rid a property of rats as quickly as possible, homeowners may take drastic measures to eliminate the problem. While poison may get rid of the immediate rat problem, it can lead to more severe issues, including these six dangers: Rotting carcasses in walls : Often, rats build nests inside your walls. These areas are a “safe space” for rodents, and it’s where they’ll return to di...

  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 ...

As it has often been said prevention is better than cure, knowing how to prevent a rat infestation is better than looking for how to kill rats in your home . Knowing you have a rat problem can be distressing, so it’s best to do everything you can to avoid the situation in the first place. The best way to deter rats is to deny them access to food, water and shelter. Unlike mice, they need daily access to a water source. They only drink between 15ml and 60ml of water a day, but they need access to it easily and consistently. They’re renowned for eating just about anything, but they prefer to eat small amounts of a wide variety of foods, giving them a varied diet.  Rat Prevention Tips See our tips below on practical ways you can help to prevent a problem: Keep foodstuffs in metal or glass containers with tight fitting lids. Tidy inside the house and around the garden - less clutter means less places to hide. Put outdoor rubbish bags in metal bins with securely fitted lids to stop the...

  Rat is one pest you do not want to entertain in your home and other interior spaces as this rodent is not only detrimental to your environmental hygiene but also your health as it causes deadly diseases such as Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever (LHF), Hantavirus, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV), Plague, Salmonella, Rat bite fever and Tularemia. Rats (especially Roof rats) are wary of new objects, new foods or changes in environment. They are constantly exploring surroundings and notice changes and are suspicious by nature. This is why traps and rat bait stations may be avoided for a day or two. They approach new food or object with caution. Within a rat colony, they may be a few rats that are extra cautious and manage to avoid traps or eating rodent baits. To be very clear from the onset, the best way to kill rats is to hire a rat control professional in Nigeria . however for those who want a do-it-yourself approach here are several solutions you can use. Kill and Dry Rat Poison...