HOUSE RATS AND MICE. 



15 



Pit trap. — A modification of the barrel trap is the pit trap (fig. 10). 

 This consists of a stout narrow box sunk in the ground so that the 

 top is level with the rat run. It is fixed with a cover of light wood 

 or metal in two sections, the sections fitting nicely inside the box 

 and working independently. They turn on rods, to which they are 

 fastened. They are weighted near the ends of the box and so ad- 

 justed that they swing easily. An animal stepping upon the cover 

 beyond the rods is precipitated into the box, while the cover imme- 

 diately swings back to its place. Besides rats, the trap is well 

 adapted to capture larger animals, as minks, raccoons, opossums, and 

 cats. It is especially useful to protect poultry yards, game preserves, 

 and the like. The trap should be placed along the fence outside the 

 yard, and behind a shelter of boards or brush that leans against the 

 fence. 



Fence and battue. — In the rice fields of the Far East the natives 

 build numerous piles of brush and rice straw, and leave them for 

 several days until many rats have taken shelter in them. A portable 

 bamboo inclosure several feet in height is then set up around each 

 pile in succession and the straw and brush are thrown out over the 

 top, while dogs and men kill the trapped rodents. Large numbers 

 are destroyed in this way, and the plan with modifications may be 

 utilized in America with satisfactory results. A wire netting of fine 

 mesh may be used for the inclosure. The scheme is applicable at the 

 removal of grain, straw, or haystacks, as Avell as brush piles. 



In a large barn near Washington, a few years ago, piles of un- 

 husked corn were left in the loft and were soon infested with rats. 

 A wooden pen was set down surrounding the piles in turn and the 

 corn thrown out until dogs were able to get at the rats. In this way 

 several men and dogs killed 500 rats in a single day. 



POISONS. 



While the use of poison is the best and quickest way to get rid of 

 rats and mice, the odor from the dead animals makes the method im- 

 practicable in occupied houses. Poisons may be effectively used in 

 barns, stables, sheds, cribs, and other outbuildings. 



Caution. — In the United States there are few laws which prohibit 

 the laying of poisons on lands owned or controlled by the poisoner. 

 Hence it is all the more necessary to exercise extreme caution to 

 prevent accidents. In several States notice of intention to lay poison 

 must be given to persons living in the neighborhood. Poison for 

 rats should never be placed in open or unsheltered places. This 

 applies particularly to strychnin or arsenic on meat. Packages con- 

 taining poisons should always hear a warning label and should not 

 he kept where children might reach them. 



