Rat Poisons

The size of the infestation of rodents will govern reasons for using rat poison rather than leaving pest control to a dog or cat. Cats are often unable to cope with large rodents. Dogs too can find an infestation is beyond their scope to control. Baits are frequently used with good results.

The rat poison ingredients range from anticoagulant rodenticides such as Decon rat poison, brodificoum, to phosphides such as aluminium phosphide. Rat poison with arsenic has no antidote.

How does rat poison work? The anticoagulant prevents blood clotting. The reason for using the anticoagulant type of rat poison is that there is an antidote for this rat poison. The brodificoum causes internal bleeding and Vitamin K can be used as an antidote. Other forms of rat poison are far more lethal. Many have no antidote.

The effects of rat poisons are prolonged. The consumer may look tired, pale and unwell for a few days before any real sign of illness. Internal bleeding may not even be noticed.

The color of rat poison is most often green. Dye is added to the pellets to dissuade animals from mistaking rat poison for pet food, but cats and dogs are color blind and often mistake the pellets for kibble.

When using rat poison for eradicating an infestation the householder can do it themselves or seek professional advice. All rat poison labels should list the chemicals used to make the poison. If using a professional a rat poison quote should include rat poisons used and costs of fumigation and or baiting. The professional will explain rat poison symptoms and what to look for as the effects of rat poison are seen. Retrieving carcasses is important to keep areas clear of unsightly bodies and odours.

In recent months there has been a rat poison pet food recall. Rat poison was found in dog and cat food and led to many unnecessary deaths. The tragic situation was found to be from the rat poison aminopterin, a drug used for treating cancer that is also used in some countries to kill rodents. The rat poison in pet food was blamed for the deaths of domestic dogs and cats. The authorities said that the gluten in the pet food had been contaminated. The effects of rat poison on the domestic animals were kidney failure and death.

Rat poison ingredients are lethal; rat poison labels must be read by a responsible adult and used with diligence and care.

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