Natural Rat Traps & Poison
Households and businesses across the world suffer from rat problems. Rats are large rodents that can destroy homes, cars and food. Rats also spread diseases, parasites and fleas. Control mechanisms include several types of trap and natural deterrents, and there are some rat poisons that might be considered "natural" (although they are generally still toxic to humans and pets). Does this Spark an idea?
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Live Traps
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Considered the most humane method of dealing with a rat problem, live traps ensnare the rodent in a wire cage without harming the animal. Bait, such as peanut butter, lures rats into the open end of the cage. When the rat steps on the trigger, the end snaps shut, trapping the rat inside. Once caught, the rat can be transported away from the area. However, many cities do not allow rat relocation, as moving rats may spread the infestation.
Snap Traps
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Snap traps are extremely effective The most common rat trap and one of the most effective, snap traps use a spring to trap the rat beneath a metal bar. Snap traps, essentially large versions of mouse traps, use bait and a pressure switch to quickly kill rats. Many different types of snap traps exist, including traps that cover the body for easy and safe disposal, and large traps for multiple rats. However, rats can become "trap shy" around snap traps, so it is best to use a large number of snap traps at once to kill as many rats as possible before they learn to avoid the devices.
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Glue Traps
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Similar to fly paper, glue traps are sheets of heavy plastic or cardboard coated with glue. By placing glue traps along areas of heavy rat traffic, such as between the nest and food sources, rats become stuck to the glue. The rats and the trap can be disposed of together. Glue traps are regarded as less humane and less effective than snap traps, as rats die slowly of starvation or dehydration.
Poisons
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Common rat poisons are anti-coagulants; the poison prevents the blood from forming clots and slowly kills rats by causing internal bleeding. However, most common poisons are not naturally occurring substances, and can poison humans and household pets in addition to rats. Some companies market natural rat killers. One example is Eradibait, which uses plant material to slowly starve rats.
Natural Deterrents
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Predators are an obvious rat deterrent. Common household pets, such as cats, dogs and ferrets, can chase or scare rodents away from properties. If animals are not allowed, using fur or urine can be as effective. Simply place dog fur or urine around areas prone to rat infiltration. Other deterrents include smell and taste deterrents. Along with pet urine, ammonia may control a rat problem. Placing a can or rag soaked with ammonia by rats' living areas will quickly drive the animals away.
Taste deterrents should be put on or in areas that the rats eat or chew, such as on wires or plastic containers. These include hot pepper sauce, wasabi or bitter spray.
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References
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- Photo Credit rat image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com conceptual - computer criminal cought - mouse in a mouse trap image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
