Six steps to successful rat and mouse control

Stop new rats coming in.
A well planned rat control programme that uses enough of the right type of bait, in the right places, at the right time, should achieve high level of control.
However, this will not be the end of the story. New rats will soon come in to fil the gap left by population just wiped out.
This means a follow-up treatment may be needed two to three weeks after the initial baiting.
Most immigrant rats will travel down recognised and identifiable routes such as hedges, drainage channels and field margins. Anticipate their movements and cut off entry info farmyard.
Permanent bait points are discouraged, as they pose a risk to non-target species. However, if rats are seen coming in this way, place temporary baiting points along their direction of travel.
In-comers will occupy deserted burrows and may soon gain a foothold on the farm if not dealt with swiftly.
The risk of migrant rats will lessen as winter progresses, as any rats left in the fields will generally die there.
Time spent on a planned rodent control programme makes it easier to maintain a rodent freee environment thoughout the year.
Keep an eye out for immigrant rats. Destroy them on arrival.