Rat Poison Bait

How Does Rat Poison Bait Work

Rodenticides in general are ingestion pesticides that will interfere with all the normal functions of the rodents’ vital organs. This includes rats as well. There are two different types of rat poison baits that will work against the vital organs in rats which are anticoagulant poisons and non-anticoagulant poisons. They work similarly; however, there are some key differences between the two poisons.

Anticoagulant poisons prohibit the normal internal blood clotting of the rat which means that ultimately, upon ingestion, the rat will internally bleed to death. Also, it takes several days of feeding for anticoagulant rat poisons to begin showing effects of poisoning. Although anticoagulant rat poison baits have a delay kill effect and may take up to several days, normally, it will take just a few minutes for the poison to have an effect on the rat. Also, anticoagulant poisons are considered “low risk” for use around people and non-target animals which is primarily the reason why many rodent control companies will use anticoagulant poison baits. Moreover, rats continue to return to feed on anticoagulant rat poison baits because the rats do not feel pain when they feed on anticoagulants. They are unaware of their illness and will continue to feed until their death.

Non-anticoagulants may not be considered “low risk” but they do have a faster rate of killing rats than anticoagulants. Non-anticoagulant rat poison baits interfere with normal bodily functions in a rat. The active ingredients that are used in these types of rat poisons will cause the rat to react in severe ways. This includes such symptoms as liver damage, calcium mobilization, disruption of the circulatory system, and paralysis which also include heart paralysis. All these disruptions are fatal to the rat and will result in their death. Although it may take several feedings of non-anticoagulant poisons to take effect, on a normal basis, it will only take one feeding for the rat to feel the effects of non-anticoagulant rat poison baits.

Different Types of Rat Poison Baits

There are different types of rat poison baits that are provided by Pest Mall that are used in different areas or for different sizes of infestations. Each formulation is created to best fit the type of infestation you are experiencing. Before using any rodent bait, you should look into the formulation first or consult with a technician here at Pest Mall.

• Rat Poison Blocks: Blocks are probably the most popular type of rat poison bait that is used by professional rodent control companies in the United States today. They are the same type of food grade bait as pellet rodenticides except they are made into a large form that is attractive to the rat because of the textured surface that is good for gnawing. Block baits can be hung or mounted on walls or in bait stations. They can also be used in areas that are either damp or dry.
• Pellet Rat Poison Baits: Pellet poisons use the same type of food grade ingredients as the rat poison blocks. They are simply in a different form than the blocks are. Blocks are in large solid forms that have textured surfaces. However, pellets are made in small sizes that are sizes that are attractive to rats because they can be carried off. Pellets are also moisture resistant which is why many professionals will choose pellet baits in damp areas. Pellets also come in something called Rodent Place Packs. Place packs are plastic or paper packs that hold small amounts of the rat poison pellet baits. In order to come in contact with these pellets, the rats must chew through the packaging. Pellet type baits should not be used in areas that discourage the use of chemicals like in schools, grocery stores, restaurants, residential areas and etc. This is because the transfer in location of the poison could possible cause safety hazards for the surround area or the people and non-target animals that are in that area.
• Liquid Rat Poison Baits: Liquid baits are especially effective for infestations that have invaded dry areas. When the water source is inadequate or even absent, rats turn to whatever alternate moisture sources are available. In these types of areas, liquid poison baits will prove to be effective in rat control. Liquid rat poison baits must always be kept in liquid bait containers in order to prevent spills, secondhand poisoning, and also to protect the liquid bait.

How to Use Rat Poison Baits Effectively

In order to use the baits effectively, homeowners and business owners should consider some rat baiting tips.

• Before any type of rat poison baiting takes place, all competition food and water sources should be eliminated. This will increase the chances of poison intake.
• Fresh bait will always be more effective. Baits should be replaced regularly and in a timely manner. Any bait that is old, moldy, and has dirt, dust, and insect build up on it, will not be attractive to the rats and will ultimately become ineffective.
• When using bait stations, place them in areas where infestations are concentrated. They should also be placed in active paths of travel between the breeding site and the food source. Also, for large infestations of rats, it is best to use maximum rat bait placements. The maximum bait placements for each product will be labeled on the product label. Also, the distance of each bait station or bait should be at least 10 feet apart. Directions for bait placement will also be indicated on the product label of each rodenticide.
• Avoid moving bait stations. Because rats are very inquisitive, they may begin to avoid bait stations if they are moved frequently. Also, until feeding is over, the rat poison bait should always remain the same.

Baits should always be placed in locations that do not have avid traffic or frequent contact. Baits must always be out of reach by children and non-target animals. When using rat poison baits, place baits in tamper-resistant bait stations. Do not leave rat poison baits out in the open. For questions on what type of bait should be used, contact a Pest Mall representative by phone or e-mail.