Best Rat Poisons

Best Rat Poisons

Sometimes, there is only one solution to a rat problem. You have to eliminate them to get the infestation under control. Remember that the health and safety of your family trump everything else. About rats injury about 14,000 people each year, sometimes with fatal consequences. Part of the issues rests with the biology and behavior of these pests.

Rats are tenacious and opportunistic. They exploit any food source they can find. They have an astounding reproductive rate that complicates the problem too. And if you see them during the day, you have a severe issue with them that warrants decisive action, namely, poisons.

Our top four best rat poisons 2018 review will point you in the right direction for choosing the most effective products on the market to get the job done. We strongly urge you to act immediately if you notice the visible signs of rats in your home. Read on to learn more about getting control of the issue.

BEST OVERALL

Motomco Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx

Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Motomco Tomcat All Weather Bait Chunx is an anticoagulant pesticide, meaning that it kills by preventing blood clotting. That said, it is toxic to rodents and all animals, including humans. You can purchase the poison alone or with a kit that includes a tamper-resistant bait station which will also protect it from the elements.

You can use the product wherever you’ve noticed signs of an infestation such as along walls or in burrows. The large size makes it simple to put it where there is activity. Bear in mind that multiple feedings are essential to get the job done. You will have to replenish the bait to ensure the proper dosage.

RUNNER-UP

JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide

Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide offers another convenient way to deal with a rat problem. You can place the chunks wherever you noticed activity. They have a palatable flavor to entice the rodents for quicker action. It is also an anticoagulant of the first-generation of pesticides. As with the previous product, continued replenishment is essential to rid your home of pests.

BEST PET SAFE

EcoClear Products RatX

Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

EcoClear Products RatX is a sharp departure from the other products we reviewed in that it is non-toxic. Its formula is specific to rats and mice. It works by blocking neural transmissions to drink so that the animal eventually succumbs to dehydration within a day or two. There is virtually no risk of harming non-targeted species too.

That’s both good and bad, especially if you have a problem with rodents like voles. However, it is safe for the environment which gives it an advantage over other types of rat poisons. The pellets will dissolve if they get wet. Keep that in mind if you’re placing them outside after a heavy dew. The outstanding feature of this product is that it isn’t toxic if your cat finds the mice after they’ve died too.

BEST INDIVIDUAL PACKS

NEOGEN RODENTICIDE Ramik 1/2″ Nuggets

Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These pellet are an effective method for killing mice and rats in your home. The pellets can be used in all weather conditions and are capable of killing off your entire infestation in only one feeding. This makes the process quicker and more humane. They work especially well in wet or damp conditions.

These pellets should not be left where children and pets can reach them. They will attract birds and squirrels so be careful where you place the bait down.

How Effective Are Rat Poisons?

Rat poisons do precisely what they’re intended to do as long as you use them as directed. They will eliminate a problem. The key is to use them where you’ve seen signs of an active population.
Look for the telltale signs such as:

• Physical damage such as gnawing or scratches
• Nests or building materials
• Droppings
• Sound of animals moving or squealing

Rat sightings are a bad indicator since they mean you have a more severe problem on your hands. If you’ve noticed them, act immediately to get it under control as quickly as possible.
The best places to put rat poisons are along walls and probable hiding spots such as woodpiles. Their natural wariness means that they’re less likely to run across open areas where humans or other predators can see them.

How Do They Work?

The action of rat poisons is necessarily quick and often gruesome. Some are anticoagulants which means that they bleed out when they ingest them. Others affect electrolyte levels in their bloodstreams with immediate effects on the urinary or cardiovascular systems. Some rely on different means such as dehydration but are no less effective.

Bear in mind that newer products are often stronger and, thus, more lethal. It is the proverbial double-edged sword. It rids you of the problem quickly while making them more dangerous to use, especially if there are pets or children in your home. The essential thing to remember is to respect the risk of using them and handle them appropriately.

What Precautions Should I Take When Using Them?

The crucial thing to remember about using rat poisons is that their intended purpose is to kill the pests. While some are host-specific, many are broad spectrum which means that any living organism is at risk in case of accidental exposure. Fortunately, you’ll see these directions for use straightforward as per US Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

Read these instructions thoroughly before using them and follow them to the letter. These products are effective because they are deadly. If you have cats that hunt mice on your property, you should avoid using rat poisons to protect them against harm.

What Should I Look for in a Rat Poison?

Poisons are dosage-specific, meaning you need the correct amount to do the job. If you have a mice problem, look for a product for them. If, on the other hand, it is an issue with rats, you’ll need one that is meant for these larger pests. Poisons differ in the median lethal dose or LD50. Even though mice and rats are rodents, their physiology, and thus, the effects of the dosage, varies.

The severity and extent of the damage are good indicators of which one lives in your home. Larger droppings provide another vital clue. Remember that these rodents are wary of anything unusual in their environment. Therefore, it’s crucial to get it right the first time for maximum effectiveness.

We suggest using a product that kills as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of an animal dying in an inaccessible place in your home such as behind walls. Avoiding the insult-to-injury of the resulting stench is imperative. The sooner you can dispose of them, the better.