Rat Prevention and Control Methods
Habitat Management:
Removing weeds around rice fields, farms, and orchards eliminates rat hiding places and exposes them to natural predators such as owls, barn owls, and hawks.
Trapping:
Homemade traps, such as oil drums placed along rat pathways, can effectively catch rats. Trapping should begin several times before the dry season and before rice planting to significantly reduce rat populations.
Burrow Excavation:
Digging out rat burrows is a highly effective method, as it eliminates entire nests.
Encirclement and Driving:
In areas with dense vegetation and moist soil, use a walking tractor to circle and gradually tighten the perimeter, driving rats toward the center, where people can capture them before the next planting season.
Chemical Control (Pre-Planting):
Before planting rice, use fast-acting chemicals like 80% zinc phosphide, mixed with bait (e.g., rice bran) at a ratio of 1 part chemical to 100 parts bait by weight. Alternatively, use ready-made poisoned baits like 2% zinc phosphide (Faskil) placed along dikes or rat pathways, about 1 tablespoon or one bait block every 5–10 meters.
Chemical Control (Slow-Acting Baits):
Substances like brodifacoum (Klerat), flocoumafen (Storm), and bromadiolone (Seed) require only one feeding to kill rats. These come as ready-to-use bait blocks or sachets, placed 5–10 meters apart along known rat routes.
Chemical Control During Crop Growth:
While rice plants are growing, slow-acting baits should be placed once a month (for about three months) to maintain control.
Urban and Shop Control Methods:
Inspect inside and outside premises for rat signs (burrows, droppings, urine odor). Place glue trays inside and bait boxes outside, spaced 8 meters apart. If rat activity persists, rotate control methods such as snap traps, live traps, glue trays, and different shapes and colors of bait (e.g., cube, ball, blue, pink) to prevent rats from recognizing the traps.
Signs of Successful Rat Control
- Bait consumption drops within the first three days.
- Rats appear sluggish and stop eating.
- Dead rats are found; a rotting smell may be detected.
- No rat noises such as squeaking, fighting, or running.
- Rat pathways become overgrown or blocked with debris.
Typically, 80–90% of rats will die or flee within around 20 days. However, if infestations are large, eradication may take longer. To prevent new infestations, refresh bait stations monthly, as new rats will quickly occupy any area with available food sources.
