Environmental Programs -
Roof Rat Bait Station Instructions

The bait station offered by the City of Mesa and Maricopa County Environmental Services is designed for the homeowner’s personal use. This offer includes the bait station and instructions of how and where to install. The bait station is ideal for people who have lush landscapes, unpicked citrus, pecan trees, figs, date palms, pomegranates, apples, peaches, apricots, as well as any human or animal food source. The roof rats are attracted to these areas because of water, food or shelter and are prone to take the poison bait.

The resident is fully responsible for purchasing and placing the Bromadiolone poison in the bait stations. Only the property’s resident may purchase, install bait and monitor this bait station, according to State of Arizona Structural Pest Control Agency. It is important that the resident’s home is properly sealed so the poisoned rat does not go back into the house and die, creating a bad odor, which may be hard to access and remove.

Seal up house, attic, and exterior walls. Any hole on the house exterior, which is the size of a nickel or larger needs to be filled or covered with screen. All cracks should be caulked. The roof vents and attic turbines ventilators should be checked and screened. Fireplaces need to be protected with the proper screening of a chimney cap. Tile or shack roofs should be closely inspected. Pet doors, dryer vents, exterior door and window screens should be secured at night.

These can be placed in trees, where the roof rat is seeking food, water and shelter. Place hole in upward position, the bait station is most effective from 4’ to 6’ above ground at no greater than a 25-degree angle. Install unit where it is easy to inspect for any rodent activity. Use strap to secure to tree with screws or nails.

Bromadiolone can be purchased at local hardware, home improvement or feed stores. Roof rats will enter the station as they pick up the scent of the bait. The tube also serves as shelter for them. The bait is a single kill poison and takes 3-5 days to kill the rodent. Dead rodents should be disposed of properly. Securely seal dead animal in a plastic bag and place in a city trash container.

Monitoring

Bait stations should be checked once a week to determine if there has been any activity or if the bait needs to be replaced. It is best if you schedule the inspection the same time each week.