What is the main method used to control populations of rodents effectively?

The most effective method for controlling populations of rodents is through the combined use of bait and traps. This approach leverages two distinct yet complementary strategies: attracting rodents with bait and directly capturing them with traps. Bait can effectively lure rodents, ensuring they consume a substance that contributes to population control, while traps can efficiently reduce numbers by capturing and killing the rodents directly.

Using bait is advantageous because it meets the food-seeking behavior of rodents, making it easier to draw them into an area where they can be effectively managed. Traps serve as a physical means of control, which can provide immediate results and are particularly useful in situations where chemical control may be too hazardous or undesirable. The combination of these methods allows for a more thorough and versatile approach to rodent management, addressing both the immediate presence of rodents and their potential feeding habits.

This combined strategy is favored in integrated pest management plans, as it targets rodents in various ways, improves efficacy, and minimizes the need for more harmful practices, such as disease introduction or reliance solely on traps.