“Bigger Isn’t Always Better”
PCOs can now control mice infestations in sensitive accounts using a smaller, non-poisonous multiple-catch mouse trap. -- by Michael Goldstein
“The bigger, the better.”
People have used this phrase for centuries. In most cases, this statement is probably true. However, pest control operators (PCOs) no doubt believe large mice infestations are nothing to brag about. It’s when they control or eliminate this “big” problem that PCOs shine in the spotlight. Sometimes, this task requires a small, yet effective, solution.
Rick Binner, president of Stirling, N.J. – based A. Humphreys Insect & Rodent Control, knows all too well the harmful effects of some rodenticides. With more than 21 years of experience in pest control, Binner recalls several instances where pets have chewed on plastic bait stations, consequently becoming sick from consuming the toxic bait. Although bait stations are normally tamper-proof, he says, there’s always a chance animals, or even children, will cleverly open the product without knowing the potentially lethal result.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry is my motto,” he notes. “I’d rather limit liability from using rodenticides and chemical treatments. We were in dire need of a small, non-poisonous mouse trap.”
According to Binner, most mice infestations in residential accounts are confined to garages, basements, kitchens and attics. Smaller traps, such as Woodstream’s Victor Mini Cat, can be hidden easily and placed out of public view, he says. Additionally, with no winding mechanism, they’re easy to handle.
“It’s vital that PCOs quickly place and inspect traps,” he says. “In this industry, time is of the essence. The clear, siliding top on the Mini Cat enables our technicians to inspect traps on the go, compared to opening and re-closing traps along their service route. Inspection time is greatly reduced.”
Binner also has had his share of complaints from customers about mice squealing while trapped on sticky glue boards, as well as in other mouse traps. Although the trap is small, the Mini Cat allows mice to move about freely, preventing the discomfort that often leads to high-pitched squeals. Customers also have the option of releasing mice that are caught in the trap.
“It’s more appealing to many customers, since mice receive humane treatment,” he explains. “The trap is also a durable monitoring and control device, and is easy to maintain.”
For Darryl Messenbrink, commercial accounts also demand small multiple-catch mouse traps. In fact, he didn’t realize how crucial this type of trap was until recently.
A service manager with St. Louis, MO.-based Rottler Pest Control, Messenbrink received a call from the principal of a local middle school with a major mice infestation. How major?
“Nearly 40 mice caught in one weekend,” Messenbrink recalls.
When classes were dismissed Friday afternoon, Messenbrink had until the following Monday to control the problem. As a result, Rottler technicians strategically placed several sticky boards behind file cabinets, bookcases and other furniture. The sticky boards performed superbly, but teacher complained that students could tamper with the traps. Another concern was that students often heard mice squealing while caught in the sticky boards. It was back to the drawing board for Messenbrink.
Finally, by Monday evening, he received two cases of the Mini Cat from pest control products distributor Van Waters & Rogers. The traps were strategically placed throughout classrooms, locker rooms, and the teacher’s lounge. It was common for each trap to catch up to four mice.
According to Messenbrink, the trap can also be used in hospitals and nursing homes, since officials at these facilities normally require traps to be out of view from patients due to safety concerns.
“With this trap,” he says, “there are no concerns. As a result, I’m selling the heck out of ‘em in our retail store. In sensitive accounts, smaller is often better.”
Messenbrink adds that a recent survey he conducted revealed most customers desire mouse traps that are inconspicuous and highly effective.
“This is a trend most PCOs have been witnessing for many years,” he adds. “The industry was in high demand for a trap such as the Mini-Cat.”
Mistaken Identity
Richard Berman couldn’t agree with Messenbrink more. A service manager from Waltham Chemical Co., 10 miles west of Boston, Mass., Berman has experienced firsthand the desire for inconspicuous traps.
Originally, a manufacturing and formulating chemical company, Waltham now focuses on pest control service and being responsive to customer demands, and has nine branch offices in six New England states.
According to Berman, the smaller traps are ideal for “front” areas of many accounts, including supermarkets and food-processing facilities.
“Especially for catching mice on grocery shelves,” Berman reports. “This is where it’s most difficult to control an infestation and be inconspicuous at the same time.”
Additionally, he notes, “Consumers and employees who do ‘stumble’ across a trap that has been placed in supermarkets, for example, simply go about their duties without thinking twice.”
Trapped by Florida
Recent floods in northern California have devastated residents in more ways than one. In addition to obvious water damage, the floods “flushed out” animals, including mice, from their harborages. To escape the raging waters, mice found refuge in homes throughout the region.
For most low-income housing developments in and around California’s Central Valley, controlling or eliminating mice infestations demands simple, low-cost devices and techniques. Dr. William Donahue recognized the dilemma.
Founder of the Sierra Research Laboratories, Modesto, Calif., Donahue has conducted a variety of studies in urban and veterinary entomology, including field evaluations. After a 12-year stint with Zoecon Corp., Donahue now specializes in researching novel pest control strategies.
With the mice infestation increasingly visible, Donahue received two cases of the Mini Cat, which were delivered to residents victimized by the flood. According to Donahue, most residents are delighted that mice caught in the traps can be easily released. The smaller traps provide ease of mind for the residents, even in times of disaster. From his own personal encounters with residents, Donahue also says that the traps are ideal for low-income housing developments, since they don’t require a lot of attention.
In any case, combating mice infestations in “sensitive” accounts, including residential and small commercial facilities, obviously demands non-poisonous control devices. However, small traps’ size, low profile, economical cost, quick placement and ease of service provide PCOs with an alternative to baits and chemical treatments, reducing liability and limiting the chance of accidental rodenticide poisoning.
Hmmm. What was that saying? “The smaller; the better?”
-- Michael Goldstein is sales manager for professional pest control products at Woodstream Corp, Lititz, PA.