Can You Use Mouse Poison on Rats?
WouterWhile the question of whether you can use mouse poison on rats is a legitimate one, the answer is more complicated than that. Rats and mice have a genetic tendency to develop resistance to certain rodenticides. These rodenticides may kill a mouse or rat in the first day, but they will return a year later. Some rodenticides are more effective than others, and some are safer for humans, pets, and wildlife. In addition, alternative rodenticides don’t harm the mammals that keep rodents under control, making them a safer choice in the long run.
Rats and mice are also easy meals for predators. Hawks, for example, may consume a dead rat and end up with a toxin that causes massive problems. This could even cause the hawk to die. Owls and other nocturnal animals are particularly susceptible to rat poison, as their diets are limited.
Rat poison comes in a variety of forms. Some are easier to use and less messy than others. Anticoagulants are the most common type. These poisons work by preventing the rat’s blood from clotting and killing it from the inside. The symptoms of this poison can last a day or even several.
Some rodenticides can seriously harm humans, especially if they come in contact with the poison. It is also important to ensure that the rodenticide you choose is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and that it’s placed by a qualified pest management professional. Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions carefully.
