Hello everyone!
After noticing rat sightings surge 50% in my downtown neighborhood last year, I volunteered to test a pilot program using AI-powered traps installed in alleyways. The system claims to use motion sensors, heat mapping, and “learned rodent behavior patterns” to optimize baiting and trapping. After 3 months, the city reported a 30% drop in complaints—but my own observations tell a murkier story. While traps near dumpsters caught 2-3 rats nightly, the rodents simply migrated to adjacent blocks. Now, frustrated businesses are asking: Do these $2,000-per-unit smart traps just displace problems instead of solving them? Or is this a scaling issue? I’m torn between tech optimism and skepticism.
Chicago’s new AI trap grid reduced subway rats by 37% in Phase 1! But maintenance costs are wild - each unit requires weekly sensor calibration. Are other cities budgeting for tech upkeep or just initial hype?
Installed 5 traps in my borough… Now squirrels keep triggering false alarms. The ‘species recognition’ AI clearly isn’t ready. Wasted $300/month on unnecessary bait refills. Where’s the accountability?
These systems fail basic stress tests. Rats learned to trip motion sensors with debris before approaching. Old-school zinc phosphide bait stations still outperform in 80% of my commercial contracts.
2,000/trap+99 monthly ‘rodent analytics’ subscription? Our housing co-op saw zero roi after 6 months. Now using $35 infrared traps from Amazon with same catch rates. Prove me wrong.
New study shows AI traps disproportionately kill juvenile rats, allowing dominant breeders to thrive. Short-term success masks long-term population explosions.
Ethical dilemma: Traps with facial recognition culled 53 rats in my area… including a pregnant female. Now animal rights groups are protesting. Where’s the line between pest control and cruelty?
Success story here! Used AI traps + sealed compost bins. Rodent pressure down 60% in 4 months. Key was syncing trap activation schedules with trash pickup times. Not a standalone solution though.
Your squirrel issue explains why Philly’s system uses weight sensors + thermal imaging! @EcoWatchdog Did your traps have the 2024 multi-spectrum upgrade? Vendor lock-in is a huge problem here.
Exactly why pros avoid these! Killing pregnant rodents spikes survival instincts in the colony. Had a client’s infestation increase 200% after using facial-recognition traps. Old methods = more humane.