Which method can enhance the effectiveness of an accord rodenticide?

Prebaiting with a nontoxic bait can significantly enhance the effectiveness of an accord rodenticide for several reasons. This method involves offering rodents a safe, non-toxic food source before introducing the toxic bait. By doing so, it helps to acclimate the rodents to a feeding location without the immediate threat of poison, increasing their likelihood of returning to the bait station.

This technique builds their confidence and encourages rodents to feed more freely when the toxic bait is eventually introduced. In unfamiliar environments, rats and mice can be naturally wary of new food sources, often exhibiting neophobic behavior — a reluctance to approach unfamiliar objects or foods due to instinctual caution against potential dangers. Prebaiting helps mitigate this concern, leading to higher consumption rates of the actual rodenticide and, consequently, more effective control.

In contrast, using more potent chemicals may raise ethical and safety concerns and does not necessarily guarantee better efficacy. Applying during the day is often counterproductive, as many rodent species, especially rats, are nocturnal and less active during daylight hours. Setting traps nearby may be part of an integrated pest management approach but does not directly enhance the effectiveness of the rodenticide itself.