There are two categories of rodenticides available: single-dose and multiple-dose.

1. Single-dose rodenticides are usually more effective with pre-baiting. Rats and mice will get "bait shy" if they eat poison and get sick but do not die. Pre-baiting before putting out poisons will allow the rats to get used to the new food source without associating it with sickness or death.
2. Multiple-dose rodenticides are mostly anticoagulants with a cumulative toxic effect. Death occurs about 4 or 5 days after the rodent first eats the bait. These do not produce bait-shyness and are among the safest rodenticides. Because they act slowly, anticoagulant baits may serve as their own pre-bait. Anticoagulants kill by inhibiting the clotting ability of the blood, so the animal dies of internal bleeding. Mice are generally less susceptible to anticoagulant baits than rats are.

Bait Stations

• Protect bait from moisture, dust, and weather.
• Provide a protected place for rodents to feed, allowing them to feel more secure.
• Keep non-target animals away from bait.
• Help to prevent accidental spilling of bait.
• Allow easy inspection of bait to determine use.

Bait stations can be made by nailing flat boards at an angle to the wall which provides a protected area between the board and the wall; or use an 18-inch length of pipe (2 to 3 inches in diameter). Bait stations should be placed in areas of rodent activity between their shelter and food supply and next to walls, as rats and mice normally use these areas as travel lanes.

Since rodents are virtually blind, they follow along walls using their whiskers to feel their way. You should place bait stations as close to the wall as possible so there is a greater chance of contact. (Don't remove stored items such as boxes, boards and tools until after the rodents are eliminated.)

Traps

Traps are the best method of rodent control where poisons are unwanted or inadvisable. Common snap traps, glue boards, and live traps may all be effective if rat numbers are low. For roof rats, the traps should be placed along beams, rafters, or other travel ways. Traps may be baited with a variety of food items such as pieces of apple, potato, raw bacon, nutmeats, or with peanut butter spread on a cotton ball, a whole peanut in the shell

Dead Rodent Disposal

Do not touch dead rodents with your bare hands! Injured or sick rodents must be killed. Dead rodents must first be wrapped in newspaper and placed in a plastic bag before putting them in a garbage can with a secured lid. Try not to touch the dead rodent and use gloves if possible.