Critter Control
Traps vs. Baits. Which are Better?
Traps vs. Baits
When you have mice or rats in the house, your want them gone. Pronto. What method you use to control your problem depends on your preferences. Can you stand seeing a mouse once it's caught? Would you rather just treat an area and forget about it? Fortunately, you have options.
Trap Types
Types of traps include glue traps, old-fashioned spring traps, and newer no-touch types of spring traps. Newer options give you the option of whether or not you want to see or touch the pest. For instance, the OrthoŽ Home DefenseŽ MAX™ Kill & ContainŽ Mouse Trap kills and holds the mouse in an enclosed container, so you never have to touch or see it when you dispose of it. The OrthoŽ Home DefenseŽ MAX™ Press N Set Mouse Trap is easy to use with its one-touch set, and you never have to touch the mouse. Simply pick up the trap by the tab and dispose of it. OrthoŽ Home DefenseŽ MAX™ Covered Glue Traps let you catch pests along baseboards and areas that show signs of mice activity.
Bait Types
Baits for mice and rats have been available for many years. The pest eats some, then dies after a few days. Mice are curious nibblers. If they encounter a potential new food source, they'll try a little and go away, then come back and try some more. Rats are more cautious, and may take longer to experiment. The problem with most baits is that you have to handle them. However, the OrthoŽ Home DefenseŽ MAX™ No Touch Bait Blocks and Paste Packs don't require touching or handling of the bait. Just place and wait - pests will eat through the wrapper. For mice, you can also use the OrthoŽ Home DefenseŽ Max™ No-Touch Bait Station, which covers the bait but allows for easy access.
Which Works Better?
Traps and baits are both effective. It really comes down to preference. Once you decide whether or not you want to see or touch the pest, just be sure to follow the directions on the label, and take steps to make your house less attractive to pests. That means sealing up holes and cracks, and storing food properly. To find out more about keeping your house free of mice or rats, see our article on How to Keep Mice and Rats Out of Your House.
