What is a drawback of using granular bait in pest control?

Using granular bait in pest control can pose several challenges, and one of the more significant drawbacks is that it can be easily washed away. This phenomenon occurs particularly in outdoor environments where rainfall or irrigation might lead to the bait being displaced from its intended location. Granular bait relies on maintaining its position to be effective; if it is washed away, not only is the bait rendered ineffective, but it may also result in unnecessary environmental contamination and waste.

Granular bait is designed to attract pests to consume it, but if rain or water runoff occurs, it diminishes the efficacy of the bait by reducing the amount available for pests to ingest. This can lead to reduced control over the pest population being targeted. An effective pest management strategy requires that the bait remains in place long enough for pests to find and consume it, which is compromised when the bait is easily washed away. Consequently, ensuring that bait remains effectively situated is vital for successful pest control outcomes.