How to Use Rat Poison
Rat poison is one of the most effective ways to get rid of disease-carrying rodents. However, you have to be cognizant of where you apply the poison, particularly if you have children and pets. The ingredients in rat poison sometimes include anticoagulants, high levels of vitamin D or zinc phosphides. Accidental ingestion of the poison could prove fatal to pets and young children. It is important that you know how to use rat poison to effectively get rid of the rodents while keeping your family and pets safe. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rat Poison Blocks or Pellets
- Rat Bait Stations
- Rubber or Latex Gloves
- Wire
- Wire Cutters
- Self-Locking Plastic Ties
Instructions
-
Instructions
-
1
Before preparing the rat bait stations, you must clear all areas where you believe rats are eating, drinking and taking shelter. While the poison will kill the rats, others will come unless you remove the temptation of shelter, food and water. Put pet food in sealable containers and eat and drink in the kitchen and dining areas only to avoid spreading food crumbs around the house.
-
2
Purchase the rat bait stations with rat poison to serve as bait. There are two basic station styles: one is shaped like an upside down "T" for narrow or tight spaces and the other is shaped like a box. Both styles come with locks to prevent pets and children from accessing them and are large enough to house several feeding rats at the same time.
-
-
3
Put on the gloves and place the rat poison inside the bait stations. Some models can house blocks of the poison which easily thread on spools inside the housing. Other models require that you mix rat poison pellets with food such as peanut butter or cheese, two rat favorites.
-
4
Look for rat activity such as rat feces or debris used to make a nest. Loose home siding, attics and barns are just a few places that may draw rats.
-
5
Install the rat bait stations using either the self-locking plastic ties or the wire, depending on the location. The plastic ties are perfect when latching the poison baited stations on surfaces with small circumferences such as chain link fencing or little tree branches. Use wire cutters to cut the wire for homemade wire tie-downs for larger installations such as ceiling beams and joists or big tree branches. For some installations, you may be able to wedge the bait stations into tight areas away from the reach of pets and children. Stations should be at least 20 feet apart to be effective in drawing rats without crowding them.
-
6
Check the rat bait stations at least once a week to remove dead rats or to replenish the supply of rat poison inside.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always wear gloves for protection when handling the rat poison to avoid accidental ingestion.
Do not install rat bait stations in the living areas of your home as this may expose your children and pets to the rat poison. If you start feeling tired, have blood in your urine, experience bloody diarrhea or breathing difficulties, these are signs that you may have somehow ingested rat poison. Call poison control or go to your nearest emergency room for treatment.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Muhammad Mahdi Karim, Daquella Manera
