Written By: Jason Price, Technical Support Manager with LiphaTech

During the summer, a lot of the rodent population’s growth probably took place outdoors due to warmer temperatures, abundant food, and good harborage. Rodent populations normally reach their peak at the end of summer. As fall arrives food sources dwindle, and harborages become crowded. Many rodents will then seek better environments such as hog and poultry facilities.

Additionally, the fall harvest will drive rodents from their summer habitats such as hay and other crop fields. Displaced rodents may travel long distances, lured to your structures by heat and the smell of fresh feed.

This is the time to be sure your perimeters are set up correctly with the proper number of bait stations and that they are well-stocked with fresh Liphatech Soft Bait. FastDraw, Revolver, and Cannon Soft Baits are your three best choices for a rotation program. Liphatech recommends FastDraw for 6 months, Revolver for 5 months, and Cannon at cleanout or for 14 days between rotation breaks.

When you encounter an empty exterior bait station, it means you have missed your opportunity to kill more rodents. The surviving rodents may have found their way indoors. Be sure you keep a constant supply of fresh bait available, according to label directions, and until rodent activity has ceased.

In regions that receive snow, bait stations often get buried in that snow. Place a marker on the wall above each station to help locate them after a snowfall. Numbered cattle tags work well as markers or a blank tag can be numbered with a permanent marker.

Stations can be severely damaged by snowplows and snow blowers. Stations in harm’s way may need to be relocated until spring.

Liphatech Soft Baits can be used year-round. However, they do become stiffer in cold weather and they may break when forced onto bait station rods. This can be prevented by storing the bait buckets or bags in a room that is kept relatively warm. If this is not possible, give the bait some support behind the puncture point with a gloved hand to minimize breakage.

Other options include Hombre, BootHill, and Gunslinger Mini Blocks which all have a hole through the center for ease of application on a bait rod.

Contact your QC Supply representative or call 800.433.6340 for further information or support. Shop our line of LiphaTech Products here.