Six steps to successful rat and mouse control

Look for signs - monitor rodent activity so you can plan an effective baiting programme.
Make a sketch of the farmyard and take it with you as you walk the farm dusk. Date it and make a note of where you see signs of rat activity. This will highlight the area that should be at the centre of your baiting programme.
Look for:
• Actual sightings. Make sure your dog doesn't run ahead and scare rats back into their borrows before you see them.
• Footprints in damp earth. These will often lead back to the nesting and burrowing areas in any earthworks that surround the farm. These earthworks may be riddled with burrows, and are a must for treatment.
• Signs of fresh damage such as chewing through sacks anf gnawing the edge of door and window frames.
• Fresh droppings. These will be softer and darker than older drier ones, and are a good sign of recent activity.
• Tell-tale smears of grease from their belly fur where they have climbed up and along walls and roof trusses.
Listen for:
• Squeaking as rats jostle and fight as they try to establish a territory. Once this has benn defined, the rats will settle down into a routine of sleeping in their nests and moving out to feed and drink.
Take time to survey the site so you can plan a focussed campaign.