Rodent and Rat Control for Sydney: The Best Baits

The classic mousetrap has been among Sydney’s commonest methods of rodent and rat control for years. These delicate mousetraps can snare these unhygienic houseguests, after they have been attracted to the bait on the pressure pad. But the jury is out with regards to the best kind of bait to use to attract these elusive rodents. Without the right bait, you could find yourself with empty traps, and a full and sated pest population.

It may come as a surprise to many that the classic chunk of cheese is not the ideal bait. What else has gained in popularity as bait for this classic method of rodent and rat control in Sydney?

Cat Food

One of the main reasons that mice can become houseguests? Many homes are somewhat careless with their pets’ food at mealtimes. It sits at floor level, and can easily be spilt, either by the human, or the pet. And not all cats are as vigilant about rodents in their home as we would prefer. If you believe your mice could be feeding on your pets’ food, using this in the trap will likely be highly effective.

Peanut Butter

The advantage of this bait is related to its pungent odour. Mice and rats can detect it from a fair distance, and will come running. However, it is important not to use too much – and too ensure that it is concentrated on the pressure pad, or the mouse could easily knock it off, and enjoy a feast.

Yarn and Cotton

This is a seasonal bait. Female rodents, looking to create their nest in the autumn, will bring together a collection of wood shavings and any available bedding to put their nest together. Yarn or cotton, rigged to activate the trap properly, can be deadly.

Raisins

When applied to a conventional trap in a conventional manner, raisins are not particularly effective. The key here is the manner in which you set your trap: by placing a single raisin in to your trap’s pressure pad groove, and by using some pressure to press it in to the gap, you have suddenly made it deadly. The mouse or rat will seek to dislodge it, and the effort involved in extracting the raisin will typically spring the trap.

Beef jerky, children’s lollies, and even jellybeans have their adherents. Remember to set your trap along the walls, as rodents, with their poor eyesight, use walls as reference points while moving. It is also important to ensure that you use a minimum of any bait, to keep ants at bay.