Dusty and wet conditions will impair the trap's effectiveness. Glue boards are better suited for mice and safe for children and pets. Boards may be cleaned with cooking oil. Poison Baits - Traps are effective usually when dealing with small numbers of rats. When rats are plentiful or where unsanitary conditions exist with harbourage, poisoned baits are the best control method.
Poison baits are avilable as ready to use, premixed baits.
Water baits are sold as packets of concentrate that are mixed with water. They are administered with a chick waterer and are useful in areas where rodent food is abundant. Most acute toxins are no longer available due to the risk of accidental poisoning. One new acute toxin that is considered safe and effective is bromethalin. Vitamin D 3 or cholecalciferol is a calciumreleaser that causes too much calcium to be released into the blood, resulting in kidney, liver, or heart failure.