Best Management Practices:

 Rats

Although all rats create problems with the possibility of spreading disease, filth, fire danger from gnawing electrical wires, odors and just being a nuisance,fire danger from gnawing electrical wires, the Norway rat creates the most concern because of its size.  It is a large dark brown burrowing rodent.  These rats are referred to by many names from brown rat, house rat, barn rat, sewer rat to wharf rat. They often burrow to make nests under buildings and other structures even beneath concrete slabs.  Rats are found near water, in garbage dumps, and at other locations where they can forage for food, water, and shelter.  Control procedures for the Norway rat will normally control other varieties of rats.  Rats will eat nearly any type of food. Opportunities in normal household garbage will provide them exactly what they want. They are nocturnal and become activity increases with dark. They prefer to forage near their nests.  Rats prefer to travel along a wall, which is assistance in bait locations.
 
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for rats would include an inspection that should delineate the amount of activity by observing droppings, tracks, chew marks, burrowing, pathways, urine stains and live or dead rats.  This is a great assistance in determining placement of rat baits, type of bait to be used and traps.  In IPM, sanitation is to help remove their food supply and breeding areas.   All possible forage food should be properly stored and include the removal of weeds, tall grass, rubbish, unnecessary lumber piles and old and unused equipment.  Pet foods, deer corn and bird feed are strong attractants for any rodent.  An earnest effort should be made to restrict their entry by eliminating all openings larger than ¼ of an inch.  Pay particular attention to utility areas, pipes, drainpipes, dryer vents, air vents and other rat entry possibilities.

When selecting a rat control, consider children, pets and the possible danger to non-target animals.  The Victor Trap Rat, Trapper Rat Glue Board and the Trapper T-Rex are practical and effective, especially when two or three are placed in each location as they are more likely to trigger the trap.  The Trapper Rat Glue Board  is a non-poisonous trap that captures rats, mice and reptiles. 

Rat baits come in a variety of choices and modes for use, e.g. multiple feedings, one feeding kill, and bait packs, all weather blocks.  Fastrac All - Weather Blox , Contrac All-Weather Blox , Fastrac Place Packs, Final All Weather Blox and Talon G Throw Packs are all excellent choices for this purpose. In homes and areas where children and pets are present, it is highly recommended to use the tamper resistant and lockable rodent bait stations.  These bait stations may be loaded with a rodent bait and provide safety for pets and children.  The  Aegis Rat Station and Protecta LP Rat Stations are lockable and tamper proof bait stations that can be loaded with a variety of choices of rat baits.  Inspect bait often, to refresh and replace when necessary.  Making several placements are key to success. Rats will consume bait pellets but most often prefer the bait blocks.  The blocks also retain freshness over a longer period.  Depending on the infestation, baits are normally placed approximately 12 to 15 feet apart. When rodent and rat odors become a problem and require action, excellent products are Odor Remover Bag and  Rat Sorb. 

As with any pest control product, follow the product label, wear proper protective clothing, gloves, and use according to the labeled requirements.

Best Management Practices courtesy of:   

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC     P.O. Box 664      San Angelo, Texas 76902     Ph. 325-653-1300