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Debunking Rodent Myths: Understanding Rats and Mice

Rats and mice, often misunderstood and underestimated, are more than just nuisance pests. To effectively deal with rodent infestations, dispelling common misconceptions and understanding their behavior is essential. Here, we unravel the top five myths surrounding rats and mice:

Misconception #1: Approachability

Contrary to popular belief, rats and mice are not harmless creatures. They can carry a myriad of diseases, making direct contact risky. Ingesting contaminated food, water, or air or sustaining a bite can lead to serious health implications. The recent outbreak of the Seoul virus serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by rodent-borne diseases. To stay safe, it’s best to keep a safe distance from these pests and enlist the help of trained professionals for removal.

Misconception #2: Cleanliness Equals Immunity

While sanitation plays a role in preventing rodent infestations, it’s not foolproof. Even the cleanest environments can fall prey to rats and mice if there are entry points into the structure. Proper sanitation is a deterrent, but homes remain vulnerable to invasion without adequate rodent-proofing measures.

Misconception #3: Catching Equals Control

Catching a rat or mouse is a temporary solution to a larger problem. Rodent infestations are often more extensive than they appear, with hidden populations in hard-to-reach areas like attics and basements. DIY methods may provide short-term relief but rarely address the root cause of the infestation. Additionally, indiscriminate use of rat poison can pose risks to children, pets, and wildlife.

Misconception #4: Feline Control

While cats may be interested in rodents, they are ineffective at controlling populations. Rats and mice reproduce quickly; their elusive nature allows them to evade feline predators. Domesticated cats, particularly when well-fed, may lack the motivation to hunt rodents actively. Instead, they may coexist with rats and mice or even become indifferent to their presence.

Misconception #5: Nocturnal Behavior

Although rats and mice are often associated with nighttime activity, they can also be active during the day. Their movement patterns are dictated by the availability of food, water, and shelter rather than strict nocturnal habits. In areas with minimal human or pet presence, rodents may venture out during daylight hours in search of resources.

Conclusion:

Understanding the truth behind common misconceptions about rats and mice is crucial for effective rodent management. By dispelling myths and adopting proactive measures, homeowners can mitigate the risks associated with rodent infestations and protect their health and property. Early intervention addresses rodent problems before they escalate into larger issues.

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Good traps! Read instructions and be patient...

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Gloves and instructions were very useful.

Keeping human scent off the traps and allowing the rats time to get used to them (baiting but not setting) etc. has helped catch a trap-shy rat.

Work every time - with the right bait

I have a neighbor with a huge overgrown garden (her house looks like a horror movie set as well). Consequently over the last few years we have the autumn influx of critters which move into my sheds for the winter. They even dug under the ground to come in via the floor! I have tried everything available to be kind to them, then to poison them then to trap them. Only death works because there are so many breeding mice next door. These traps are failsafe. Box has warnings in about useless bait (like cheese, peanut butter etc) and also comes with gloves and brushes to get rid of fleshy ick. You need a 2-pronged attack – I have heeded the advice and only put about six grains of poison in the middle well in each trap. I then set trap and dropped only about 2-3 grains beside trap to have a trail going to trap. Every single day I have set two traps as an experiment and every day I have caught two mice.

Note at end of November: I have now caught two mice a day for 16 days – found out they came in via a mole tunnel underground then chewed through a wall. I filled up hole n have no more since – using this method NOT ONE MOUSE HAS BEEN TRAPPED BY LEG ETC and all die quickly by instant effect as their eyes are still open in surprise. Not cruel and no lingering suffering for them, just instant.