What action should be taken to maintain the effectiveness of a rodent control program?

Maintaining the effectiveness of a rodent control program heavily relies on managing the environment where rodents live and thrive. Eliminating harborages is a crucial aspect of this strategy. By removing places where rodents can nest and hide—such as debris, overgrown vegetation, and clutter—you disrupt their natural behaviors and reduce their chances of survival and reproduction.

When rodents have fewer places to hide, they are more likely to encounter traps and bait, making them easier to control. This is fundamental because rodent populations can quickly rebound if conditions remain favorable. Removing potential nesting sites not only decreases the rodent population but also minimizes the risk of reinfestation.

In contrast, introducing new rodents would exacerbate the problem, increasing the population rather than controlling it. Increasing the food supply would also attract more rodents, while changing bait types regularly can disrupt the effectiveness of the baiting strategy without addressing the fundamental issue of the rodents’ habitats.