Chemical-free and non-toxic rodent control services

Rodenticides are an efficient means of rat control, but many people are reluctant to use poisonous chemicals around the home, especially in the presence of children and pets. There are alternative methods of control, but you still need a measure of care and competence to obtain the most effective results. None of the methods are without risks.

In choosing a rodent removal method you should consider the scale of the infestation, the competence of the person carrying out the job, and the risks to other people, pets, and wildlife. Both live and dead rodents can spread infectious diseases and parasites. It is essential to back up every method of control chosen with prevention measures that deny rodents food and access to shelter, making sure they cannot return.

Why choose chemical-free rodent control?

People may choose chemical-free rodent control for environmental reasons. Homeowners may also want to protect their family and pets from toxic chemicals. Non-toxic methods reduce the risk of secondary poisoning, which can occur when pets or wildlife ingest poisoned rodents.

Choosing chemical-free pest control can help minimize the use of traditional pesticides. Non-toxic rodent control includes methods like traps, repellents, and exclusion techniques that are typically safer and more sustainable. This allows for pest management without compromising the well-being of your loved ones.

Rodent traps

Rodent traps usually require the use of food bait to attract the rodent. Rodents have poor eyesight but a highly developed sense of taste and smell to locate food. Fresh food, preferably with an odor, will attract rats and mice close enough to be caught. They prefer cereal grains, meat, fish, and nuts, but will also eat many manufactured foods such as peanut butter, chocolate, fruit jelly, and cheese.

Rats will initially avoid anything new placed in their environment and then investigate it cautiously. This ‘fear of the new’ or neophobia can take a few days to overcome. If there is an adverse experience for the rodent, the shyness can last for weeks or months. With food bait, they may eat small amounts at first to test the flavor and any reaction before accepting it.

Whether dealing with professional pest control or DIY rodent trapping, placing traps with food, but not setting the trigger for a while will help rats and mice to overcome any trap and bait shyness. There are different types of traps you can use: spring/snap traps, live capture traps, electrocution traps, and glue/sticky boards.

Spring/snap traps

Traps that are designed to kill rodents with a spring release need to be used with some skill to position correctly. This can avoid affecting other wildlife, pets, and children. These traps have some advantages over rodenticides for small infestations in small structures, like homes and garages. This is because they avoid the use of toxic chemicals and are inexpensive. With this type of trap, the user can easily see if a rodent has been caught.

A spring release trap should be placed in a rat or mouse run with bait. You may need to place them in several sites to target the pest population effectively and quickly. Spring traps do not always kill cleanly, so you must check them regularly to kill any trapped live animal humanely.

Live capture traps

Live capture traps have a spring or electronic release catch that closes the door on a cage or container when an animal triggers the mechanism. As with the spring traps, the animals are lured by the smell of food. These traps are not always effective, because once caught, the property owner must release the rodent into the wild. This doesn't guarantee that the rodents will not return.

Electrocution traps

Electrocution traps are enclosed traps that detect an animal entering, shut the entrance, and send a high-voltage electric charge through metal plates. They are designed to kill the rat or mouse. The metal plates need to be kept clean to ensure an adequate charge is discharged through the rodent. These traps are expensive and not all can be used outdoors because they use mains voltage and lack protection from rain. As with other traps, you may need several, and they need to be checked frequently to check for and dispose of any dead animals.

Glue or sticky boards

Glue boards are available in some countries but are considered inhumane by some experts. They are designed to immobilize an animal that walks on them. They are not as effective and they can trap other animals. This includes pets, snakes, birds, and bats, so they need to be checked regularly.

The animal is not killed by the trap, so you need to know how to kill the trapped animal humanely. Animals suffer pain and stress and can harm themselves while trying to get free from the glue. They can cover themselves in their own urine and feces while panicking and struggling to get free. If left, the animal will suffer from dehydration, starvation and exhaustion, dying within three to five days.

There is also a danger when handling live animals. You can be bitten by the frightened, uncontained animal and contaminated by its urine and feces.

Rodent repellents

Ultrasonic rodent repellents

Rats and mice can hear and communicate using ultrasound frequencies higher than the hearing range of humans, dogs, and cats:

• Human: 64-23,000 Hz
• Dog: 67-45,000 Hz
• Cat: 45-64,000 Hz
• Rat: 200-76,000
• Mouse: 1,000-91,000 Hz

In theory, high-volume ultrasound is able to repel rats and mice without affecting humans, cats, or dogs. However, ultrasound isn’t effective at a distance and is blocked by objects. The sound is unlikely to travel far in a large and complex space - such as a house. This makes it less effective. There is only some evidence that ultrasound has a limited effect when used in very small spaces.

Scents that repel rodents

Rodents can be repelled by some smells, such as ammonia or mothballs. Some studies claim various plant scents can even repel them. However, no scents are truly effective because rodents quickly become used to them.

Cats and dogs

Cats and dogs can catch rats and mice, and there is a long history of breeding dogs, such as terriers, for rodent control around farms and homes. However, cats and dogs are not efficient controllers of rodent populations in urban areas as rats and mice can easily find places to hide from them. Well-fed pets at home will have little incentive to hunt. They also won’t be able to access many of the places the rats and mice frequent in a home. Rats and mice can even thrive in the presence of pets, living off their food, especially when they are kept outdoors!

Natural deterrents and preventative measures

Mouse control without chemicals starts with smart, simple steps to make your home less inviting. Rodents are always searching for food, water, and shelter, so keeping things clean and well-maintained can go a long way in controlling them. Below are some key non-toxic strategies to help keep mice away.

Keeping a clean environment

Keeping the house and yard tidy is important when you see signs of rodents. Droppings can be harmful to pets when ingested. But a clean environment is also one of the best methods of preventative and non-toxic mouse control. By properly storing food and regularly cleaning up crumbs or spills, you reduce the attraction for rodents seeking easy meals. Using airtight containers for food storage and managing waste efficiently is crucial. 

Poison-free pest management can be as simple as regularly cleaning areas where rodents might hide. This includes attics, basements, and under appliances. This can effectively discourage them from nesting in your home. Keeping the house clean is a fundamental part of effective rodent pest control.

Landscaping tips

Outdoor rodent control starts with managing your landscape. Rodents thrive in areas with overgrown vegetation or clutter, providing them with both food and shelter. Trimming back bushes, trees, and vines around the perimeter of your home can limit rodent access. Removing piles of leaves, branches, and other debris also reduces potential hiding spots. 

Ensure that garden sheds and compost bins are rodent-proof by sealing any openings and using tight-fitting lids. Bird feeders should also be kept out of reach of rodents. This preventative outdoor rodent control makes it harder for rodents to establish nests near your home, supporting effective chemical-free pest control.

DIY vs. professional pest and rodent control

DIY methods of chemical-free pest control can be effective for minor infestations. But when the infestation is larger, you will likely need professional pest control services.

Experts in rodent removal have the experience and tools to tackle significant problems. They provide safe, non-toxic pest control solutions that are both effective and sustainable. A professional pest control company like Ehrlich can also identify entry points, prevent future infestations, and offer poison-free pest management strategies. Choosing a professional ensures a thorough, long-lasting solution to rodent problems.

Let Ehrlich eliminate rodents for you!

Overall, rodent traps and repellents are considered to be an effective way of controlling mice and rats. However, rodent populations grow rapidly, so even though you caught one, there could still be many more. The best option is to contact us for an inspection. We know where rodents nest and hide. We’ll take a look at your problem and discuss the best and safest treatment options for you, your family, and your property. Call us today at 800-837-5520.

Frequently asked questions