It is true that in some cases, rats can cause significant property damage. Most people choose to use deadly pesticides to get rid of them. But before deciding to use this method, you must remember that rat poison is not only dangerous for rodents. So let’s find out why it’s best to avoid poisoning rats!
The risks of using poison
Leaving bait traps or containers with rat poison in places accessible to children can have disastrous consequences. Being naturally curious, they can be attracted to all kinds of unknown objects. Rat poison can present, for example, in the form of pastilles, which look like candy for toddlers. Worse still, this poison tastes sweet, which gives babies more reasons to try it. Incidents involving children consuming rat poison have increased by 40% over the past ten years.
Furthermore, there is also a great risk that animals pets try to eat rat poison that is left unattended. They are more likely to reach places that are seemingly difficult to reach (more so than children). It is not uncommon for a pet to find the poison, even if well hidden.
The risks associated with dead rodents
There are two types of rat poison: anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant. Anticoagulant rat poison, such as warfarin, brodificoum, or bromadiolone, works by causing internal bleeding in rats. This type of poison usually takes two to six days to kill one. Non-anticoagulant poisons for rats are usually made from zinc phosphide, bromethalin, or cholecalciferol and often kill them within a few hours. Rat poison does not kill these animals instantly, allowing them to return to their hiding place. Sometimes this means they die inside the walls, causing terrible odors. In addition, handling dead rodents also increases the risk of contracting a number of diseases which they carry.
We must stop using poison
It is therefore obvious that it is not just rats that can be victims of rodent extermination products. Humans and pets can very well find themselves in delicate situations due to ingesting rat poison. This kind of method is also not very morally correct and not very hygienic. So why not stop using it? Everyone must be aware of these dangers mentioned above.
What are the alternative solutions?
Stopping using poison to kill rats is one thing, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get rid of them, especially if your house is infested and you find rat droppings pretty much everywhere. We can use other more or less natural methods which are much less dangerous for both you and your family. One of the most effective methods you can use to get rid of rats without poison is the rodent trap. This method also has the advantage of letting you know exactly how many animals there are and where they are hiding. Additionally, rodents often die in places where they cannot be found by pets or children, causing foul odors indoors.
Conclusion & Opinion
In short, while poisoning is one of the methods most used in France to eliminate rats, it is not recommended in many situations. We must indeed start turning to other approaches, because there are dangers that should not be overlooked in using poison against rats.
And you, how do you get rid of rats?
*Updated 22 July 2024