Pest Management Professional, September 2011
tips tricks RODENTS Continued from page 85 Dr ElRay Roper Senior Technical Representative Syngenta Professional Pest Management Unlike insect pests rodents are mammals that adapt to changes in their environments quickly Although rodent behavior is influenced strongly by instinct and imprinting from their parents they also might change behaviors based on experience Experts refer to rodent control as an art and a science because it requires a technician to almost predict the actions of a rat or mouse Here are seven steps to thinking more like rodents 1 Know your pest Know whether youre dealing with house mice Norway rats roof rats or native rodents such as deer mice field mice or ground squirrels 2 Study the biology Consider what the rodents eat where they prefer to nest and the size of their home range in addition to other factors specific to the account 3 Inspect thoroughly Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the account Start by identifying heat and moisture sources Many rodents nest in attics or drop ceilings so inspect high and low Consider food sources and work outward from there to find the infestation source 4 Know the signs Use the classic signs of rodent activity to help locate the problem Look for droppings rub marks signs of gnawing urine and odor 5 Use all your tools Avoid falling into the habit of using the easiest tool in the box If you rely on baiting only youll never get those bait shy rats or mice Employ various traps and bait types to eliminate every rodent in the account 6 Change your routine If you usually service the account in the mornings try afternoon or if necessary evening visits when rodents are more active 7 Take time to think In the service industry time is money Were all in a hurry to service many accounts Take the time to think about what the rodents are doing thats making your job difficult Sometimes the answer will be right in front of you but you have to take the time to find it As if they never existed The pest vac that leaves nothing behind SIERRA VACUUM with HEPA Filtration A Paragon Professional Pest Control Product Paragon Professional Pest Control Products paragonprofessional com 18002389254 Continued on page 88 86 September 2011 Pest Management Professional mypmp net
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