What is the first step in managing rat and mouse populations?

The first step in managing rat and mouse populations is indeed putting the population under stress. This is a crucial initial action because it helps to assess the extent of the infestation and encourages the rodents to reveal themselves, making subsequent control measures more effective. By applying stress, such as removing food sources or altering their environment, you can provoke the rodents to change their behavior. This adjustment can lead them to seek alternative food supplies, become disoriented, or even become more susceptible to traps and bait.

In pest management, understanding the behavior and dynamics of the targeted species is vital. By establishing conditions that make it difficult for rats and mice to thrive, pest controllers can create a more favorable situation for control efforts that follow, such as trapping or baiting. This foundational step sets the stage for a more effective, systematic approach to population management.