Know rodent behavior for better control

Greg Pettis, East Coast Product Representative, Nature-Cide

For PMPs, behavioral modification is the art of changing a pest’s normal behavior to our advantage. We know mice and rats have different and unique behavioral habits; however, both need food and shelter. We use this to our advantage with baits, traps, tracking powder and various other methods. But for sensitive accounts, the ideal solution would be to use a deterrent that disrupts or irritates a rodent’s senses — and forces them into less-sensitive areas, where we can use more conventional control methods.

When using hand sprayers, fogging machines or backpack equipment, we can treat attics, crawlspaces, utility areas and perimeters with repellents that cause the animal to flee the area. Because mice, rats, voles and many other rodents rely on their sense of smell, we can create sensory overload with natural ingredients such as cedar and cinnamon. These essential oils can block the rodent’s ability to find food and detect predators, leaving them more exposed.

It would be the equivalent of having a high-powered flashlight in your eyes — blinding you and taking away a primary sense needed for survival. Your natural reaction would be to move to a location where the light couldn’t affect you.

from Pest Management Professional http://www.mypmp.net/2018/08/28/know-rodent-behavior-for-better-control/
Sacramento CA