Traps

Today, there are many different traps offered for the basic pests faced.  These traps range from those that can catch large land dwelling creatures, like coyotes, or conibears to those that can catch the small minnows of lakes and rivers. Below, three different traps are discussed that are used for the most common pests found in the south.

Mouse Traps

When people think of mouse traps, too often is the picture drawn in our heads of the old fashoined trap with the bar, lever, and place to put a piece of cheese.  While this “snap trap” is still used today in homes and businesses, newer styles of traps are offered, as well.   This version of the mouse trap is safer than poison traps and is naturally alluring to the rodent.  Once the rodent enters the trap, it is killed immediately and allows for easy disposal.  This trap can also be reused.  

Another type of mouse trap is an electronic trap.  These traps offer a fast, economical, and humane way for ridding your home of the rodent (s).  Offering a simple, hassle-free system, you bait the trap, turn it on, and wait.  Once a mouse enters the trap, a high voltage shock emanates through the system immediately killing the rodent.  A green light on the trap indicates capture, while a red light indicates low battery. 

If you are looking to catch and release mice, certain multiple catch mouse traps are offered.  These traps can sometimes capture up to 30 mice and offer no killing mechanism.  There are also glue traps that can be used to catch and release rodents.

Rat Traps

The most popular type of rat traps are the snap traps, which will always result in a lethal hit to the rat.  Two other common traps are the electronic trap, and glue trap. 

Mole Traps

Trapping moles can be a more difficult process than trapping mice or rats.   Once moles are detected in an area, it is best to plant traps immediately to ensure the capture of possibly pregnant females before they give birth to their offspring.  While traps can be placed during any time of the year, it is best to do this during the seasons of Spring and Fall.  Placing traps in the deep tunnels through which the moles travel and habitate is the most effective way to capture the moles.  3-5 traps should be placed throughout each acre of the area and should be checked up to twice a day. 

While poison baits are an option, they are most costly, time consuming, and produce less effective results.  There are also prevention methods such as barriers placed throughout a garden like aluminum sheeting or mesh hardware cloth.