Mechanical traps

• Mechanical traps, such as the iconic snap trap, are probably the first solution that springs to mind when evidence of rodent infestation is first discovered. They have the advantage of being cheap, readily available, and easy to set. They also produce dead rodents that can be safely consumed by other wildlife without becoming sick. However, they are not without their drawbacks. They must be baited, and they become useless between being sprung and being reset. Older rodents can learn to steal the bait from traps without triggering them, which renders the trap ineffective. They do not always kill the rodent who springs them, especially in the case of larger rats. Finally, if they are not checked frequently they may kill a rodent that will decay over time, creating an unhygienic and unpleasant situation.
  
  

Glue Traps

• Glue traps have a lower profile than snap traps, making it less likely that a wily older rodent will recognize and avoid them. They may be baited by placing a small amount of peanut butter or a small pile of grain in the middle, or they may simply be placed in areas where rodents are likely to travel. Rodents prefer to travel close to walls and beneath low dressers, making these ideal places to plant glue traps. Their major advantage over mechanical traps is their ease of use, since many people find the setting of snap traps difficult or unpleasant. Their major disadvantage is that they result in a live capture, which can be difficult to dispose of humanely. Simply throwing them in the garbage dooms them to a slow death by thirst and exposure, and may result in a cat, dog, or bird of prey being attracted to the movement and noise and becoming stuck to the trap themselves. Many exterminators dispose of live rodents by drowning, freezing, or exposure to carbon dioxide fumes. This last is considered the most humane, and may be achieved by sealing the glue trap in a plastic bag with a chunk of dry ice. The entire bag may then be disposed of.
  
  

Poison bait

• Poison bait is available either as small dishes of powder or treated grain or as solid bars. It is generally used in industrial or storage facilities, since leaving edible poison laying around is not considered safe for children or pets. It has a long effective life, remaining a viable killing method as long as some bait remains, unlike snap traps or glue traps. Bait bars are more durable and less messy than grain or powder baits, although they require more time and effort on the part of the rodent to deliver an effective dose. A serious problem with using these in a residential setting is the possibility that a poisoned rodent will die in the wall, resulting in a strong smell of decay.
  
  

Fumigation

• For large-scale infestations, professionals may be hired to completely fumigate a facility. This is not a popular solution for homes, but may be an economical measure in storage or industrial buildings, which attract a large number of rodents. A thorough fumigation can kill or drive away all rodents in a building, and is often paired with poison bait or traps to provide continuing rodent control. While this method is quickly and undeniably effective, it is also much more expensive than other methods.