Why I Prioritise Traps First

Traps before rodenticidesSome unscrupulous pest controllers may opt for rodenticides immediately on arrival as it requires less skill and less ongoing effort.

As part of my professional rodent control service, I always prioritise the use of traps first.

Using traps first offers several key advantages:

  • Environmental Benefits: Using traps is a more environmentally friendly approach as it avoids the use of rodenticides, which can have detrimental effects on wildlife.
  • Reduced Risk of Secondary Poisoning:
    • Primary Poisoning: Rodenticides directly poison the target rodent.
    • Secondary Poisoning: Occurs when predators (such as owls, foxes, or scavengers) consume poisoned rodents, leading to their death.
    • By using traps, you eliminate the risk of secondary poisoning and protect wildlife within the ecosystem.
  • Humane Approach: Traps offer a more humane method of rodent control compared to the slow death that can occur with some rodenticides.
  • Faster Results: In many cases, traps can effectively reduce rodent populations more quickly than rodenticides. Rodenticides can take up to 10 days to kill a rodent, while traps provide immediate results.
  • Improved Hygiene: Traps ensure that dead rodents are removed from the property immediately, preventing them from decomposing within wall cavities or under floorboards. This eliminates the risk of unpleasant odours and the potential for fly infestations.
  • Enhanced Safety: All traps I use are placed within enclosed and tamper-proof boxes to ensure the safety of pets, children, and other non-target species.
  • Minimising Rodenticide Resistance: Overuse of rodenticides can lead to the development of resistance in rodent populations, making control efforts less effective. By prioritising traps, I can minimise the reliance on rodenticides and help prevent the development of resistance.
  • Compliance with the CRRU Code: Prioritising trap use aligns with the CRRU Code of Practice for responsible rodenticide use, which emphasises the importance of minimising the use of poisons.

Summary

As part of my professional service, I always prioritise traps first. If necessary, after the initial trapping phase, I may introduce rodenticides as a secondary measure. However, I will only use the minimum amount of poison required to effectively control the infestation. At the end of the treatment, all rodenticides will be removed from the property in compliance with the CRRU Code.