Mastering Rat Control: The Art of Bait Pulsing

We've found that using traps alone isn’t enough to control rats in our gullies and lifestyle blocks. To truly make a difference, we need to add some toxin bait into the mix.

But here’s the key: instead of keeping bait out all the time, using a pulsing approach works much better. Pulsing means putting out bait only at specific times, which helps reduce waste and ensures the bait remains effective when you need it most. This way, you target rat populations more efficiently and avoid the pitfalls of constant baiting.

Pest control in action - possums and rats at a PhilProof bait station. Photo Credit: D Edwards

When to Pulse Your Bait:

Pulse your bait in August, November, February, and April for the best results:

August: As winter ends and temperatures rise, rats become more active. Baiting now targets their increased feeding and helps manage their breeding cycle. It’s also a good time to check and maintain your traps.

November: Rats prepare for breeding season in November. By managing their numbers before they peak, you prevent larger infestations later.

February: Rat populations often peak in February. Effective baiting helps control these high numbers, protecting vulnerable wildlife.

April: As temperatures drop, rats seek food and shelter for winter. Baiting in April reduces their numbers before they settle in for the colder months. Ditto, more trapping now too.

How to Implement Bait Pulsing:

Place bait in your bait stations at the start of each pulse month (February, April, August, and November, also pulse in January if rat numbers are high); empty the bait stations at the end of the month. Avoid baiting during other months to allow rats to die off before adding more bait. This method saves you bait, time, and effort.

Basic Pulse Baiting

For really effective rat control, consider advanced pulsing: add bait in week 1 and refill in week 3 of each pulse month, removing it in week 4. Always remove leftover bait to prevent it from becoming mouldy, which can deter rats.

Advanced Pulse Baiting

Safety Information:

Follow label instructions and use gloves when handling bait. Store bait securely and place bait stations away from pets and livestock.

Commonly available toxins include:

First-Generation Anticoagulants: Examples include Pindone and Ditrac (Diphacinone). Safer for pets but requires rats to have multiple feeds. You'll need to add enough bait for this; over-fill your bait stations initially and then keep a note of how much is taken. Dispose of any remaining bait carefully. Use the Trap-nz app to record bait uptake.

Second-Generation Anticoagulants: Examples include Pestoff (Brodifacoum). More potent and usually require a single feed. Use carefully and sparingly, eg for an initial knock-down of high rat numbers, rather than continuously, as this bait persists in the food chain and can cause secondary poisoning.

Vitamin K is the antidote for both types. If you suspect poisoning, call the National Poisons Centre at 0800 POISON for assistance.

By following these tips and tweaking your approach, you’ll be well on your way to effective rat control and keeping your environment healthier. However, if your neighbours aren’t involved with pest control, rats can easily move back in to your place, so encourage them to participate too, whether with traps or bait. Teamwork can make a significant difference!

A big thank you to Predator Free Franklin, Auckland Council, Gary at Philproof and Andrew Styche, DOC community ranger, for their fantastic insights. For more information, check out Predator Free NZ’s pest control advice for lifestyle blocks.