A comparative evaluation of the efficacy of traps and rodenticide baits in field studies with house mice (Mus musculus)

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of trapping and subsequent rodenticide baiting for house mouse (Mus musculus) control under field conditions. Three field trials were conducted, with pre- and post-treatment feeding and tracking censuses used to estimate control success. Trapping alone reduced feeding census values by 69% from 159 to 49 g at Site 1, 40% (344 g/208 g) at Site 2, and 58% (194 g/82 g) at Site 3. Tracking censuses confirmed similar reductions (44-67%). Trapping was most effective in the lower infestation levels and where food availability was limited. The choice of lure strongly influenced performance: peanut butter consistently outperformed synthetic attractants. Subsequent brodifacoum baiting achieved 90-100% control of the remaining mouse populations across all sites. All trapped mice were found dead at daily checks; the majority were caught by the neck indicating generally swift kills, although some captures involved the chest or abdomen. Non-target captures were negligible. These findings demonstrate that while snap traps can substantially reduce mouse infestations, their success depends on infestation size, food availability, and bait type. Integrated use of rodenticide baiting remains necessary to achieve > 90% control under field conditions.