Trap-Out Programs
Using intensive trapping to reduce pest populations without pesticides - particularly effective for rodents in sensitive accounts.
Detailed Overview
Trap-out programs use mechanical traps as primary control method rather than supplement to baiting. Deploy high density of traps: for mice, 12-24 snap traps per average kitchen; for rats, 6-12 traps along travel routes. Check and reset daily initially, then every 2-3 days. Continue until zero catch for 7-14 days. Advantages: no rodenticide risks or secondary poisoning, immediate removal of dead rodents (vs hidden deaths from poison), preferred in food facilities and where children/pets present, demonstrates active service to customers. Trapping alone can eliminate rodent infestations if done intensively with exclusion. Critical success factors: sufficient trap density (many techs under-trap), proper placement along walls at right angles, fresh bait securing rodent interest, rapid removal and resetting, exclusion work concurrent to prevent reentry. Labor-intensive but effective. Best for: food facilities where baits prohibited, schools and healthcare where safety paramount, customers opposed to rodenticides, small infestations caught early. Less practical for: severe infestations in large buildings, situations where daily trap checking impossible, Norway rat burrows in yards (baiting more effective).
When to Use
Use as primary method in food facilities, schools, healthcare, and accounts refusing rodenticides. Deploy intensive trap arrays. Check daily or every 2-3 days. Combine with exclusion work.
Required Skill Level
Requires some training and experience in pest management
Benefits
- No rodenticide exposure risks
- Dead rodents immediately removed
- Preferred in sensitive accounts
- Demonstrates active service
- Effective for small to moderate infestations
- Complies with bait-free requirements
Limitations
- Labor-intensive requiring frequent service
- Requires high trap density to be effective
- Less effective for severe infestations
- Trap-shy rodents reduce effectiveness
- Requires customer tolerance of trap visibility
- More expensive than baiting due to labor
Related Concepts
Other techniques that may be useful
Crack and Crevice Treatment
Pesticide application method that places insecticides directly into cracks, crevices, and voids where pests hide, minimizing exposure to people and pets.
HEPA Vacuuming
Non-chemical pest removal using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners to physically remove pests, eggs, droppings, and allergens.
Steam Cleaning
Non-chemical pest control using high-temperature steam to kill pests, eggs, and larvae on contact.