Summertime Rodent Control

            Every year is marked by four distinct seasons. Each season has its own unique characteristics that help us distinguish one from the other. Fall is when the leaves on trees and other plants begin to change colors and fall to the ground. While the colors in nature all around us are changing, cooler temperatures are ushered into the world as well. Winter is usually marked by shorter daylight hours and cold temperatures with most of North America seeing at least a few inches of snow throughout the winter months. Then springtime rolls around and provides us with hope that indeed even after the long, harsh winter, life will prevail. Soon plants and animals will be up and about making their presence known everywhere. Summer marks the end of a school year for children and teens everywhere. Pools open up and the daylight hours lengthen into the late evening. Earth’s seasons change behavioral patterns of both humans and animals alike. Likewise, rodent behavior and patterns are affected by the changing weather and temperatures as well. There is typically an increased amount of rodent activity noticed during the winter months. Just like humans tend to spend less time outside when the temperatures drop, so rats and mice would prefer not be outside either. Buildings and homes offer great refuge for rodents from freezing temperatures and snowstorms. So, how does the behavior of a rat or mouse change in the summertime? The answers are simple, but just as rodent patterns change, so should your baiting programs change as well. I have three tips that if you give them a try as the warm months approach, your home or other structure should stay rodent free so you can spend less time wondering what damage they may be causing and more time relaxing at the lake.

1.      Keep Vegetation on your Property Tidy:  This is something that often goes overlooked, but is necessary in effective summertime rodent control. Summer months consist of warmer temperatures and moisture (rain). These conditions are what fuel plant growth. Un-kept landscaping and yards are prime habitats for rats and mice. Thick grass and weeds provide great protection and shelter for rodents, so remember to trim and keep grass and other plants around the perimeter of your home or structure nice and neat.

2.      Introduce a water source in their environment: Just like the cold temperatures will drive rodents inside during the winter time, lack of a water source will also drive and rats and mice indoors during the summer months in order to find water. While this may seem backwards, by providing water for rodents outside, you are decreasing the likelihood of them needing to make their way inside for a glass of water.

3.      Consider using soft bait that will hold up better in warm temperatures: If you are using rodent bait stations around the perimeter of your structure, you may want to consider a soft bait rodenticide such as Resolv. During the summer months, temperatures in bait stations (that are typically black in color), can easily climb over 100 degrees. Traditional wax baits will melt which are not only far less palatable to rodents, but also a burden to clean up. Soft baits will not melt and due to the higher moisture content, will continue to stay palatable to our little furry friends when temperatures are at their highest.

Take some time to study your environment. Effective rodent control during the summer months can be achieved simply by changing out some of the techniques you use during the colder months. Always use proper safety equipment as well as consult the product label on any rodenticide you decide to try. Happy Hunting!