FAQs

Have questions you need answered to keep your restaurant, hotel, or food service operating rodent-free? Read our library of frequently asked questions and their respective answers. If you have a question not answered below, please feel free to contact us.

Restaurants / Hotels / Food Service

Below are some FAQs to help you keep your restaurant, hotel or food service rodent free.

What rodent control tactics can I use in a restaurant / food service setting?

It is both unsafe and against label directions to use rodenticides anywhere food is being commercially prepared, processed, or served. Rodenticides are good options for basements and storage areas. For the food preparation and serving areas use glue boards, snap traps, and live catch traps. For preventative tactics use Sonic PestChasers such as items #BM793-5 or #BM792-5.

What evidence would I notice of rodents in my restaurant food service establishment?

Evidence may include:

  • Rodent droppings
  • Holes
  • Runways - greasy rub marks from the rodent traveling back and forth
  • Gnaw marks on doors, plastic containers, baseboard, or corners of walls
  • Pungent odor from rodent urine and presence

Does a glue board need to be placed inside the Tin Cat®?

The glue board does not have to be placed inside the live catch trap, but it makes service quicker and easier. It also helps contain all the mouse contaminants such as hair and droppings.

How often should I check my Tin Cats® / live traps?

Traps need to be checked regularly based on the level of activity. If you are dealing with an active infestation then traps should be checked every 24 hours. Tin Cat® item #BM312 has a solid top lid and item #BM308 has a clear lid. For solid top lids simply open the Tin Cat® lid to see if you have caught any mice. For clear lids there is no need to open the lid. Simply view through the top of the Tin Cat® to confirm if you have caught any rodents.

Can I use other baits inside the Tin Cat® instead of a glue board?

The Tin Cat® can be initially baited with peanut butter, but once you have a successful catch no further baiting is necessary due to the mouse scent present in the trap. This method of not using a glue board and baiting with peanut butter can be used if you would like to release the mouse outdoors. Bait can also be used in conjunction with a glue board for dispatching the mouse.

What preventative measures can I take to ensure my restaurant is rodent free?

Sanitation

  • Eliminate trash and food debris - near garbage and around cluttered areas are key locations for rodents to thrive. Thoroughly inspect and clean your business. Areas you may forget to search for food debris include floor drains and in or around food preparation equipment. Keep your establishment clean, neat, and uncovered.
  • Mow tall weeds and lawn outside - tall weeds and grass are excellent hiding locations for rodents. Reduce and minimize the potential hiding spots. Keep landscaping away from buildings and well maintained. Also remove any debris or discarded equipment that many provide

Landlords & Other Businesses

Below are some FAQs to help you keep your rental properties rodent free.

What evidence may I notice of rodents at my rental property?

Evidence may include:

  • Rodent droppings
  • Holes
  • Runways - greasy rub marks from the rodent traveling back and forth
  • Gnaw marks on doors, plastic containers, baseboard, or corners of walls
  • Pungent odor from rodent urine and presence

A tenant just informed me they saw a mouse. What do I do as a landlord?

As a landlord, there are several steps you can take:

  • Eliminate rodent access to the apartment by filling holes and cracks in walls, ceiling, and floors with coarse steel wool, caulk, or mortar.
  • Eliminate water source by repairing potential plumbing leaks in bathroom and kitchen.
  • Work with the tenant to determine what type of rodent control is best suited for the elimination inside. There are many options including snap traps, live catch traps, electronic traps, rodenticides, and ultrasonics.

Some things to consider when answering this question include:

  1. Does the tenant have children or pets? If the answer is yes, then snap traps and rodenticides can be used, but must be placed in protective stations or in areas inaccessible to children and pets. Other options would be Tin Cats® or electronic traps.
  2. Does your tenant want to avoid the unpleasant sight of rodents? If yes, then a secure trap such as the Victor® Kill Vault™ Mouse Trap is a good solution.

What does my tenant need to do to eliminate and prevent rodents?

Your tenant needs to do several things:

  • Don't leave food on the stove or counters.
  • If pets are present pick water dish up at night and store food in "rodent proof" container. Don't leave the food dish out.
  • Remove trash from the apartment daily.
  • Pick up food debris from children and pets.
  • Report the first signs or sightings of rodents to the landlord.

What preventative measures can I take to ensure my tenants have a rodent free home?

Sanitation

  • Eliminate trash and food debris outdoors.
  • Mow tall weeds and lawn outside of apartment building.
  • Keep garbage in "rodent proof" containers.

Exclusion

  • Add metal kick plates or door sweeps to bottom of doors.
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