Calculator
Formula used
| Deployed per station (g) | initial + (refills × refill_amount) |
|---|---|
| Total deployed (g) | stations × deployed_per_station |
| Total remaining (g) | stations × remaining_per_station |
| Gross missing (g) | max(total_deployed − total_remaining, 0) |
| Estimated losses (g) | total_deployed × (waste% + non_target%)/100 |
| Estimated consumed (g) | max(gross_missing − estimated_losses, 0) |
| Consumption per day (g/day) | estimated_consumed ÷ monitoring_days |
| Per station per day (g/station/day) | estimated_consumed ÷ (stations × monitoring_days) |
| Per 100 m² per day (optional) | (consumption_per_day) ÷ (area_m²/100) |
How to use this calculator
- Count stations and note your starting bait per station.
- During checks, record refill amounts and how many refills occurred.
- At the end, estimate remaining bait per station in the same unit.
- Enter monitoring days between the first placement and final check.
- Optionally enter area to compare different garden zones.
- Review consumption, activity level, and suggested check interval.
Example data table
| Zone | Stations | Initial (g) | Refill (g) | Refills | Remaining (g) | Days | Estimated consumed (g) | g/station/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetable beds | 10 | 40 | 20 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 520 | 7.429 |
| Compost corner | 6 | 60 | 25 | 3 | 12 | 10 | 705 | 11.750 |
| Fence line | 8 | 35 | 15 | 1 | 18 | 7 | 256 | 4.571 |
Station consumption trends and decision points
A consumption rate turns routine station checks into measurable evidence. When units and check timing are consistent, averages highlight where activity is rising, where coverage is thin, and how often to revisit stations. Document each check to build a dependable seasonal baseline.
1) What the rate measures
The calculator applies mass balance: bait deployed minus bait remaining. Optional loss allowances account for spoilage or disturbance. Outputs include total grams per day and grams per station per day, which separates site-wide demand from localized hotspots.
2) Why refills matter
Refills are counted as additional deployed mass. Heavy activity often shows frequent refills and low leftovers. Light activity usually shows few refills and high leftovers. Use these patterns to adjust placement and coverage before adding more stations.
3) Using loss allowances correctly
If bait softens, crumbles, or is scattered, “missing” mass may not be feeding. Enter conservative waste and non-target percentages only when you observe those issues. This keeps the consumed estimate realistic and prevents inflated pressure ratings.
4) Comparing garden zones
With area entered, the calculator adds a per 100 m² per day metric. This helps compare raised beds, compost areas, and perimeter lines even with different station densities. A high per-area value can indicate under-coverage.
5) Converting results into actions
Confirm numbers with field signs: tracks, droppings, slime trails, gnawing, and plant damage. If run-out is fast, shorten checks and improve exclusion and sanitation. If rates are minimal, reposition stations to travel routes and keep monitoring.
| Example log | Stations | Days | Refills | Consumed (g) | g/station/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compost corner, week 1 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 420 | 10.000 |
| Vegetable beds, week 1 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 350 | 5.000 |
| Fence line, week 1 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 140 | 2.500 |
FAQs
1) What should I record at each check?
Record the date, station count, bait added, and estimated leftover. Consistent units and a consistent check interval make the rate meaningful for trend tracking and comparison between zones.
2) Why does the calculator ask for losses?
Loss fields help separate feeding from spoilage or disturbance. If bait softens, crumbles, or is removed by non-target animals, conservative percentages reduce overestimation of pest activity.
3) What if my remaining bait estimate is rough?
Use a consistent method: weigh a typical full portion once, then estimate leftovers by fraction. Even if estimates are imperfect, consistent scoring across checks still reveals reliable trends.
4) How do I use “per 100 m² per day”?
It normalizes consumption by area so different zones can be compared. It is useful when station density varies, or when you want to justify shifting stations toward a higher-demand section.
5) What does “recommended check interval” mean?
It suggests a practical recheck cadence based on average consumption versus the initial bait load. It is capped to avoid long gaps and shortened when predicted run-out risk is high.
6) Can I compare different bait forms?
Yes, but keep the unit consistent and compare within the same environment. Different forms can weather differently, so use the loss fields and the environmental indicator to interpret differences.
7) Is a high rate always bad?
A high rate signals active feeding or removal, not necessarily crop loss. Use field signs and damage checks to confirm impact, then combine monitoring with exclusion, sanitation, and habitat reduction.