| Use of bait boxes protects rodenticides from weather and provides a safeguard to people, pets and other animals. Bait stations should have at least two openings, about 2½ inches in diameter for rats or 1 inch in diameter for mice, and be large enough to accommodate several rodents at one time. Like traps, bait boxes should be placed next to walls, with openings close to the wall. Rats usually feed in one place, so relatively few bait stations may be needed if correctly located. On the other hand, mice feed in many places and won't travel great distances. Many bait stations may be needed for mice. Space them no farther than 10 feet apart, and preferably closer.
Baits need to be placed where mice are living, such as in wall spaces, on pallets of feed, etc. Bait boxes should be clearly labeled "Rat Bait" or "Mouse Bait," as the case may be. At each inspection,
smooth the surface of the granular baits so that new signs of feeding will show readily. Examine paraffin-
bait blocks for signs of rodent gnawing. Replace moldy, wet, caked or insect-infected baits with fresh
ones. Highly toxic baits should be consumed in the bait box. Mice often carry food to other locations
(called translocation). This can result in the bait being moved to an area that may endanger nontarget
animals or contaminate food. Meal baits are less likely to be transported than pellet baits.