How do you catch a rat in a pigeon loft? - briefly
Place baited live traps (e.g., snap‑free or cage traps with peanut butter) along walls and near suspected runways, then inspect and release captured rodents promptly. After removal, seal all holes and gaps to eliminate future access.
How do you catch a rat in a pigeon loft? - in detail
Identify entry points. Inspect the loft for holes, gaps around vents, doors, and wiring. Seal openings with steel wool, hardware cloth, or cement to prevent re‑entry.
Choose trapping method. Live‑capture cages with bait (peanut butter, dried fruit, or meat) work where humane removal is required. Snap traps provide rapid kill; select models with insulated backs to protect birds from accidental contact. Electronic traps deliver a quick high‑voltage shock and are reusable.
Set traps strategically. Position devices along walls, near known gnaw marks, and close to feeding stations. Place bait on the trigger mechanism, ensuring the trigger is accessible to the rodent but out of reach of pigeons.
Monitor and service. Check traps at least twice daily. Remove captured rodents promptly, wearing gloves and a mask to avoid disease exposure. Reset or replace traps as needed.
Sanitize the environment. After removal, clean droppings and urine with a disinfectant containing quaternary ammonium compounds. Dispose of contaminated material in sealed bags.
Implement ongoing control. Install predator‑deterrent devices such as ultrasonic emitters or motion‑activated lights. Maintain regular inspections to detect new breaches.
Document actions. Keep a log of inspection dates, trap locations, and capture counts to track effectiveness and adjust the strategy over time.