Rodent poisons are often used to control rodent infestations in poor urban communities. This results in collateral poisoning and health concerns.
In this study, participants in two poor urban areas were given high-quality rat traps, and six months later, a follow-up survey assessed their willingness to use the traps in place of street pesticides.
Poison
Rat poisons work by targeting the blood-clotting proteins that cause bleeding in rodents. They are often a combination of two or more ingredients that thin the blood, stopping clotting, causing internal hemorrhage, and killing the rodent. There are two main types of rat poisons: calcium releasers and anticoagulants. The former are quick to kill but have a high accidental poisoning rate and are not suitable around homes. The latter have a slow death but are very effective and safe around homes when used properly.
When using rat poison the bait needs to be placed in places that rats are most likely to find and eat it. Rodents are very wary of environmental changes and will spend a lot of time investigating new bait stations. This means that it can take a few days before the poison starts to have an effect. Ensure that the bait is topped up each day until it has been eaten in sufficient quantity to cause death.
Once a rodent has consumed the poison, it will be eaten by predators in the ecosystem, including birds like hawks and owls, wild cats, foxes, snakes, and venomous lizards. This allows the rodenticide to move up the food chain resulting in secondary and even tertiary poisoning of animals that consume the prey animal that has consumed the rat poison.
A number of different chemicals can be used as rat poisons, each with their own unique characteristics. There are also some alternatives, such as diatomaceous earth (DE), which is made from fossilized aquatic organisms and is non-toxic to humans and pets but dries out the insides of rodents when they ingest it.
The best way to eliminate rat problems is by removing harborage, blocking holes with stone, cement, or ferrous metal, and encouraging natural predators. Removing the rats’ food sources and shelter and keeping a close eye on garbage cans and compost bins to prevent tampering is also important. If you cannot eradicate the rat problem yourself, contact a Pest Control Professional who practices Integrated Pest Management.
Traps
Rat traps use bait to lure rodents into a deadly trap, killing them with a spring mechanism or electric shock. They are considered more humane than poison and don’t pose a risk to children, pets, or other non-target animals. They also allow for immediate disposal of dead rats and prevent odor problems in hard-to-reach areas.
Traditional snap traps are the most common and can be found in almost any store. They work by placing a piece of cheese or another enticing bait on a metal bar that closes whenever a rodent steps on it. If the rodent triggers this spring mechanism while moving, it causes the trap to snap down on it, instantly killing the rat. Although snap traps are efficient, they can be gruesome and inhumane for rodents. Some homeowners opt for a more modern solution, such as an electronic rat trap, which delivers a lethal electric shock while still leaving the animal alive.
Other alternatives include self-setting rat traps, which automatically catch rodents without any action on your part. They’re usually less expensive than snap traps but require a certain amount of patience and skill. Some rat traps also feature a locking lid to keep out kids or other household members.
Some rat traps are designed to be used indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs and the severity of the infestation. Regardless of the type you choose, be sure to check your traps daily and immediately dispose of any dead rodents. It’s also a good idea to vary the locations of your traps and use multiple in severe infestations.
Remember that rats are smart and may take time to get accustomed to new environmental elements. To increase your chances of catching them, try pre-baiting a trap by putting it in an active area but not setting it. This will make them feel more comfortable around the trap when you set it a few nights later. You can also place a trap near any areas you suspect the rats are entering your home, such as in the basement or crawl space.
Humane Control
Humane pest control involves a series of steps to trap and kill rodents without harming them. You can purchase humane snap traps at many hardware stores and DIY/garden centers. However, be careful – poorly designed or carelessly used traps may injure animals instead of killing them instantly. The RSPCA recommends using well-designed snap traps that ensure a quick and painless death to mice and rats and can be consistently set and reset.
Place traps away from pets and children and where they can’t be accessed by wild animals. Keep in mind that it may take a few days for rats to become accustomed to the new object and begin eating the bait. Be sure to check traps first thing in the morning and last thing at night and immediately humanely dispatch any caught animals. Be sure to wear disposable gloves when handling any trapped rodents, as their poop and urine contain harmful bacteria. Be aware that the smell of dead rodents can attract flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. If you want to reduce the risk of disease, spray the area with a disinfectant or mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water before removing the traps and disposing of the dead rodents.
Rat poisons work in different ways, but all cause the same distress to rodents. Some poisons cause a build-up of calcium, which leads to organ failure, while others cause internal bleeding, and still other types work as acute toxins. The poisoned rodents will often not die instantly but will wander around your property and cause damage. Many of these rodents will be eaten by non-target wildlife, such as birds, foxes, and field voles, which can then be consumed by predators like Barn Owls and Kestrels, causing secondary poisoning.
Using rat poison in the garden can also be hazardous to children, pets, and even adults who come into contact with the chemicals, such as by touching the bait or setting the trap. Poison can also contaminate water sources and food. Leaving rat corpses around can attract flies and maggots, spreading germs and leading to disease.
Safety
Rat poisons can be dangerous for children, pets, and other animals that may consume it. They are also risky for humans who come into contact with it, either by handling the poison or by inhaling it. Poison can also remain on the floor for some time and could be eaten by birds, squirrels, or other rodents that have access to it. It’s important to follow all the instructions that come with the rat poison and be vigilant about cleaning up any trash or other food sources where rats might eat.
A study conducted in poor urban areas of South Africa found that households were willing to use rat traps rather than toxic street pesticides to control rodent infestations. The study included surveys of household members who received two high-quality rat traps. Respondents were asked to indicate their intended future use of rat traps in open-ended questions. Factors that were related to reported intended trap use included demographic data, experience with the rat traps, gender, and willingness to purchase the traps at informal markets or local taxi ranks (where street pesticides are sold).
It is important to know that trapping will not eliminate all the rats in an area. It will reduce the numbers but will not stop them from coming back. Integrated rodent management, which includes reducing food and shelter availability along with trapping, is the best way to control rats.
Using a traditional snap trap is the most effective method. They can be baited with a variety of foods, including peanut butter, cheese, Slim Jims, and other high-calorie foods. There are also a variety of commercially available lures for rat traps that can be used to attract rodents into the trap.
Snap traps can be a pain to set up and require frequent checking and emptying of dead rodents. It’s also a bad idea to use glue traps, which are often abrasive on fingers and are difficult to clean. Live traps can be a good alternative to snap traps and allow for the release of a rat without touching the animal, but they will need to be checked frequently and cleaned thoroughly for germs.
