Rodents

I have spent a lot of time testing and trying different approaches for rodent control. The things I will recommend doing in this article are a true testament to my trials in dealing with rodents.

Whether you are dealing with mice, rats, voles, etc. the rodenticide you use is the same for all of them. 

Cartoons would have us believe that rodents like cheese, this is simply not true. I wrote a post about “19 Myths about DIY Pest Control” this is one of the myths.

So let’s get started!

Here are the items you will need to take care of rodents:

  • Contrac Blocks (get the current price on DoMyOwn.com) Contrac blocks have a pheromone that attracts the rodent to it. This is a grain block with the rodenticide within the block that will slowly dehydrate the rodent till it is eliminated.
  • Protecta Evo Express Bait Station (get the current price on DoMyOwn.com) These stations are amazing especially if you have children, dogs or other pets that like to tamper with things. They have a cinder block that is retrofitted within the box. This box is for rats and large infestations of mice. A lot of times people will have 1-2 of these boxes for each side of the outer part of the home for preventative reasons. This is also a good thing to have if you have an unfinished basement or crawl space. This is the very best station you can buy, however, if you don’t have pets and children that can get in and tear up the station and you want to save a couple of dollars I recommend this one
  • Protecta EVO Ambush (see the current price on DoMyOwn.com) The ambush is made with most of the qualities that the Evo Express has like the hard plastic and the innovative design, but it does not have a weighted block in it and holds half the bait that the Express station does.
  • T1 Mouse disposable stations (get the current price on DoMyOwn.com) If it is mice you have these baits come prepackaged and you just open the box and place them where you have issues. The top of the T1 casing is clear so that you can monitor what has been used within the station.

Other items you will use to assist you

  • Peanut Butter
  • Gloves
  • Flashlight 
  • Steel Wool or Copper Mesh

Rodent Inspection 

When you suspect you may have a rodent infestation you will want to conduct an inspection so that you can know exactly where the issue is coming from. 

When inspecting, you will need a flashlight. Here are the places I inspect:

Basically you will be inspecting water source areas where there is either evidence of scat or chewed material. 

  • Under Sinks
  • Behind Water Heaters
  • Under The Stove
  • Under The Dishwasher
  • Near your HVAC System
  • Attic
  • Basement/Crawl Space
  • Garage Doors

Rodent Treatment

  1. Under Sinks – You will want to look for scat in these areas if you find scat under the sink you will want to make sure that the water lines and drainage areas are sealed off. Use steel wool or copper mesh to stuff in the piping areas to slow the travel of the rodents. I also place rodent bait under the sink in these areas where the scat is found. Using gloves take some peanut butter and rub in lightly on the outside of the rodent T1 station to attract the rodents to that area more quickly. The old saying goes if they have been there before they will come back they’ll be back again and you will want to be prepared. 
  2. Behind Water Heaters – This is also a good place to put a station coated in peanut butter. If you have a catch pan or a drip tube to a drain these are water source areas that rodents can migrate to for water.
  3. Under The Stove – If you are able to pull the stove out all the way that is great, a lot of times there is a hole where the electric wire was run for the plug for your stove. Rodents will usually use this area to get around the home so you should put either a T1 Station under that area or a sticky trap next to the hole.
  4. Under The Dishwasher – In many cases if you see rodents under the sink you will find them under the dishwasher. If you find scat in this area you will want to put a T1 bait station there.
  5. Near The HVAC System – If your HVAC system is in a crawl space you will want to use one of the EVO boxes under your house you can place it next to the crawlspace door, make sure to keep it away from any moisture or water buildup. If your HVAC is in the attic you can use T1 stations or the Evo Bait station I would say it really depends on the size of infestation that you have. 
  6. Attic – Rodents can climb and it is important to know if your gable vents, windows, and other vents that lead to your attic are sealed off. You can Use The T1 or The Evo station in your attic as I said in the last one use your judgment on the infestation size. 
  7. Basement/Crawlspace – Place the Evo Station in your crawl space in a dry area of the crawl space so you don’t get the blocks wet from moisture. 
  8. Garage Doors – Place T1 Bait stations or glue boards on both sides of each garage door under the door sensor. The glue boards will pick up more than just mice if you do this.

Moisture is your enemy with these blocks, they can last years if not touched by water.

*Remember – The T1 stations can only treat for mice because the entry hole is too small for rats to get into.

The Evo stations can be used for all rodents.

*Tip For Placement – Since rodents, most times will follow along the walls it is good to butt the stations and glue boards flush against the walls not blocking the entryways to them.

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Them

Using the treatment methods I just suggested to you, you should see less issues in about 3 weeks. If you have a large infestation it could take anywhere between 4-6 weeks and throughout the process, you will need to monitor the stations and replace or refill them as needed. 

Summary

I am glad you are deciding to take care of the rodents on your own it is a very doable treatment. I realized that doing this treatment method works the very best in getting rid of mice and rats and works quickly. I hope this article was helpful and informative.