When using a bait station like the Protecta Rat Bait Station, replacing the bait is going to depend on how much activity there is. You should check the bait stations daily to start with to monitor the levels at which the rodents are consuming the bait. The key to control is to keep enough bait in the station to supply the population around the structure. The goal is never to have the stations be empty when rodents go inside to look for food. You may find that you have to replace the bait daily at first, but after the population dwindles you will have to add bait much less frequently (once per week or even once per month). Bait should also be replaced if it is insect infested or moldy.
By law, most rodenticides must be used in tamper resistant bait stations when used outside to prevent non-target animals and people from getting to the bait and accidentially being poisoned. Others are approved for burrow baiting as well. Most baits also must be used within 50 feet of structures. Please refer to the product label of the rodenticide you are wanting to use in the Protecta Rat Bait Station.
Protecta Rat Bait Stations can be used indoors and outdoors. We do not recommend using poison baits indoors because after the rats eat the bait they may go into an inaccessible area to die causing a terrible odor and possibly even a secondary insect infestation (it is a myth that there is a poison bait that will cause the rats to dry out and not smell or to leave the house in search of water). It is important that you place the traps directly in the rats travel path and bait them with an attractive bait such as nuts, dog kibble, canned tuna or peanut butter. Be patient, it could take several days or even a couple of weeks before the rats are comfortable enough with the traps to approach them and be captured. After you have eliminated your current infestation you must take the time to exclude rodents from entering your home in the future. Please take a few moments to read our article: How to Rodent Proof Your Home
It is not likely that the ants would deter the rodents, but in order to keep the ants out of the Protecta Rat Bait Stations, you can place a granular ant bait, such as Advance 375A or Maxforce Complete Granular Bait around the outside of the stations.
The Protecta Rat Bait Station will work great for you. However, we recommend to use bait stations and rodenticide outdoors. Here are the steps we recommend:
If an infesation already exists in a commercial kitchen, the use of glue boards and or snap traps will be necessary. Place the traps near areas where dropping have been found or near areas where rodents or rodent damage has been found. The use of rodenticides (rat poison or mouse poison) is usually inappropriate in indoor areas. A rodent could succumb to the effects of the bait and die in an area that is inaccessible causing a horrible stench, flies, maggots, roaches, and beetles. After you get rid of the rodents indoors, you will need to stop new rodents from taking their place. Rats and mice are notorious for finding their way indoors. They can find even the tiniest crack in a structure and force there way in. Here are some hints and tips to help prevent an infestation: