The takeaway: A data-driven rodent control plan allows you to establish action thresholds, implement control measures, and monitor and evaluate management measures. Here’s how to put one together.
Traditionally, rodent control was performed without the benefit of data and its analysis. Instead, pest control relied on observations, clues, and traps.
Today, new digital technologies provide methods for the creation of much more precise and detailed rodent control plans. While trapping, visual inspections, and first-hand reports can still play a role in creating a rodent control plan, a plan that relies on data can be a game changer, providing smarter control measures that are more effective while using fewer chemicals–and enabling plans that are proactive, not reactive.
Data-Driven Pest Control Strategies Are Becoming More Popular
While traditional pest detection and control methods continue to rule, technology adoption is on the rise. New digital tools allow you to harness the power of data analytics to enhance monitoring and improve decision making.
These data-based tools can act as silent sentries, working behind the scenes to gather information about what species are invading client spaces, where they are coming from and where they are going, and when they are most active. Besides allowing you to be proactive, these tools improve treatment effectiveness, save money, and enhance environmental protection.
How to Create a Data-Driven Rodent Control Plan
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Define your focus area
The first step to creating a data-driven rodent control plan is narrowing the scope of the plan to concentrate on a specific area of interest. Whether that is a single walk-in fridge or an entire farm, defining the scope by area is the first step in rodent control.
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Collect data–the more the better
“Data” in this case refers to any measurable evidence that sheds light on rodent activity. Cellular cameras can be a linchpin in this stage, providing time-stamped visual evidence of rodents. Because of their true wireless nature and 4G connectivity, cellular cameras like the DEFEND can show you what species are present, when they are present, their movement patterns, and their numbers. These datapoints can be paired with visual inspections that uncover evidence such as droppings, urine, gnaw marks, and rub marks, as well as anything collected from physical traps, pheromone traps, or sensors. Data can then be paired with weather data–which can influence rodent behavior–as well as customer reports and feedback.
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Analyze the data
With data in hand, you can then identify patterns and trends, including peak activity times, preferred areas, and movement routes. You can then establish thresholds for rodent activity that trigger specific control measures and, if available, utilize predictive analytics to forecast when and where rodent infestations are likely to occur.
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Implement target control measures
With the data collected and analyzed, and a target area defined, you can get to work with a pest management plan. Measures can include sanitation, sealing of entry points, and targeted treatments.
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Evaluate and refine the plan
Once the control measures are in place, you can track their effectiveness, adjust strategies based on the effectiveness (or lack thereof), and regularly review and update the plan to incorporate new data, technologies, and best practices.
4G Technology for Rodent Control Plans
4G cellular cameras like the DEFEND are the linchpin of smart rodent control plans. DEFEND’s cloud surveillance provides anytime, anywhere access to your monitoring sites, and time-stamped motion-activated photo evidence tells you exactly what species are present and when. Learn more about cellular pest monitoring cameras here.