There are two types of people in bird control:
Those who use bait trays
Those who casually toss bait on the ground and then wonder why everything went wrong
If you’ve ever thought, “Eh, I’ll just throw it down there,” congratulations-you’ve chosen the path of mystery, mess, and mild regret. Let’s break down why bait trays exist, and why ground-baiting is basically the wild west of bird control.
A bait tray is a designated feeding platform designed to hold bait in a controlled, visible location. It creates a consistent feeding area that birds can easily identify while allowing technicians to monitor and manage consumption.
Rather than scattering bait across an area, trays concentrate activity in one predictable spot.
Using a bait tray provides structure and consistency.
Benefits include:
Birds learn exactly where the food source is
Feeding behavior becomes predictable
Bait remains accessible instead of being scattered
When bait is placed on the ground, it can be moved by wind, rain, or foot traffic, making feeding patterns inconsistent and harder to manage.
Bait trays allow technicians to clearly evaluate whether a program is working.
With trays, you can:
Track how much bait is being consumed
Identify peak feeding times
Adjust bait quantity or placement as needed
Confirm bird activity at the site
Ground baiting makes monitoring difficult, as bait may disappear for reasons unrelated to birds.
One of the biggest advantages of bait trays is limiting access to non-target animals.
Bait trays help by:
Elevating bait off the ground
Reducing access for rodents and other wildlife
Lowering the risk of accidental exposure
Bait placed directly on the ground is more likely to attract rodents, pets, and other animals, increasing both risk and liability.
Keeping bait contained helps maintain a cleaner work environment.
Bait trays:
Prevent bait from spreading across walkways and entrances
Reduce debris and residue buildup
Make post-service cleanup easier
This is especially important in commercial environments where cleanliness and appearance matter to clients and customers.
Clients often observe how bird control programs are implemented.
Using bait trays:
Demonstrates a structured, intentional approach
Builds confidence in the service being provided
Reflects industry best practices
Scattered bait can appear unplanned or careless, even if the intent is good.
Because trays keep bait contained and accessible, less product is wasted.
This leads to:
More efficient bait usage
Fewer reapplications
Better long-term results
Ground baiting often results in lost or unusable bait due to environmental factors.
While ground baiting may seem faster, bait trays provide greater control, improved safety, cleaner sites, and better overall results. For professional bird control programs, trays support consistency, monitoring, and accountability-key elements for long-term success.
Using a bait tray isn’t just a preference; it’s the best practice.