PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS: Answers To Your Tough Pest Questions

Place Packs And Stations?
Q: I have several clients who have  problems with mice in their attics. I have been using rodenticide place packs and am concerned about the label interpretation of using tamper-resistant stations. Do I have to do this in an attic?

A: This is a common problem that many pest management professionals face. The interpretation of when to use tamper-resistant station is not a clear-cut decision in some cases.

Several years ago, the then-NPCA Vertebrate Committee tried to categorize the places where tamper-resistant stations would be recommended and where other types of stations would be permitted. Today, typically only tamper-resistant mouse stations are available to pest management professionals.

Therefore, it becomes more of a question of where to use a stations and where to just place bait (usually in place packs) so the rodent can find it.
My take on the label in this particular use is that you still have to protect against non-target animals. The labels state this — it and means you have to be concerned about other animals getting into the bait.

The main concern in attics would be squirrels and possibly birds. If the attic is well sealed against these invaders, then using place packs, or even wiring block baits in place along identified rodent runs or activity areas, could be an efficient way to reduce populations.

I don’t know what bait you are using, so I will assume it is an anticoagulant. There have been some recent introductions of new formulations of bromethelin, and cholecalciferol is still available. They each have different modes of actions and may be another alternative to consider.

One more item about the labels: There are label statements that advise the clean up of dead animals and unused bait. What the label does not discuss is to what extent the PCO has to go to accomplish this. Essentially, the required “clean up” is removing accessible animals or bait. (Consider that the next time you are baiting an attic.)

In addition, the Integrated Pest Management approach, using glueboards in a station or even live catch traps, is always available. Yes, you will have to revisit the property more often. But your visit can be reassuring to the customer.

The author is president of George Rambo Consulting Services, Herndon, Va. Fax questions to him at 703/709-9637 or via e-mail at grambo@pctonline.com.