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Do DIY Mouse Traps Work?

There are countless DIY pest control ideas online, including homemade mouse traps. While these solutions may seem tempting as a cost-saving measure, do they actually work? It’s important to remember that while DIY solutions might work temporarily, none of them will address the root of your problem; to truly handle your rodent infestation, you need professional pest control.

That said, let’s discuss the efficacy of a few common homemade rodent trap ideas.

A Box Trap is a Common DIY Approach to Rodent Infestations

DIY Mouse Trap Types

We’ve selected two of countless homemade mouse and rat traps to discuss. These traps stand out for their simplicity and relative safety for people and pets:

  1. The bucket method. This simply involves putting bait in the bottom of a bucket and adding a ramp to the outside for rodents to climb, the idea being for them to fall into the bucket and be unable to get back out. However, it’s important to keep in mind that rodents are good jumpers; mice can jump a foot in the air from a dead stop, and rats have been known to clear three feet.
  2. The box method. This involves a box with a trigger mechanism and some bait. When the rodent takes the bait, it triggers the mechanism and the box falls, trapping the rodent.

Remember to handle traps with care, especially when clearing them. Rodents, their droppings, and the parasites they carry can make people seriously ill. Always prioritize your safety first.

DIY Rat Traps as a Homemade Solution

Whether you made it yourself or bought it at the store, remember that rodent traps can be hazardous if not handled properly. The DIY solutions we outlined above don’t involve poisons, so the hazards are limited – but so is the effectiveness. Storebought traps may include poisoned bait – check package instructions carefully! – and so may not be suitable for homes with small children or pets. Even without poison, snap traps can do a lot of damage to fingers and paws.

On top of the risks, individual traps don’t address the root cause of infestation. In fact, DIY treatments are extremely unlikely to be as effective as you need them to be. The only way to make sure your rodent problem is fully treated is to hire professional rodent exterminators.

Reliable Rodent Treatment Solutions in Virginia

DIY rat or mouse traps may seem promising if you’re dealing with just a few rodents; however, you’re rarely dealing with just a few rodents. Rats and mice are sneaky and good at hiding – and they reproduce fast. By the time you notice a single rodent in your home or business, there could be hundreds more behind the scenes. The surest and safest way to deal with a rodent infestation is to skip the DIY projects and go with a professional from the start.

Loyal Termite & Pest Control’s team of exterminators brings years of specialized knowledge to every job. When you need a complete solution to your rodent problem, count on us to deliver thorough and effective rodent control.

Do DIY Mouse Traps Work in Virginia?

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