Rats are some of the most dangerous and bothersome pests you could have in your home, so it’s crucial to deal with a rat problem as soon as you see them. Exterminating rats may seem a bit intimidating, but there are plenty of ways to get rid of rodents yourself using rat poison. You can use chemical rat poisons, rat traps, or even hire professionals to get rid of your rats.
In this article, I’ll lay out the best rat poisons on the market, as well as step-by-step tips for DIY pest control and practical methods for preventing rats from coming back into your home.
Chemical Rat Poisons
Chemical rat poisons are effective at killing rats quickly, though they may be harmful to pets and children, so use them with caution. If you’re interested in using chemical rat poisons, here are a few different types to consider:
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are a very common type of rat poison that can include chemicals like brodifacoum, diphacinone, warfarin, bromadiolone, and more. One particularly good anticoagulant poison bait is the JT Eaton 709-pn Bait Block. This first-generation anticoagulant contains specially formulated blocks with a peanut butter flavor to attract and eliminate mice and rats.
Anticoagulant rodenticides work well against rats because they contain chemicals that deplete Vitamin K, which is an important component in blood clotting and coagulation. When a rat ingests an anticoagulant, the poison suppresses the growth of Vitamin K in the intestinal tract and diminishes vitamin levels within a matter of days, causing hemorrhages and internal bleeding.
Bromethalin
Bromethalin isn’t an anticoagulant, but it can give rodents a lethal dose in a single feeding within 24 to 36 hours. If you’re unsure about what type of bromethalin product to purchase, try Tomcat Rodenticide with Bromethalin. However, take precautions and consider using a chemical-free option, such as traps, if you have pets in your home. Bromethalin is known to poison other animals.
This odorless, crystalline compound is a fast-acting neurotoxin that targets the brain and liver and damages a rat’s central nervous system after being ingested. It kills rats within a few hours of consumption by causing a buildup of sodium in liver cells and cerebral spinal fluid in the brain.
Cholecalciferol
According to the National Library of Medicine, cholecalciferol baits have the highest mortality rates when compared to common anticoagulant rat poisons. If you’re unsure where to start looking for this type of poison, consider using d-CON bait pellets for your rat problem. d-CON poison uses cholecalciferol as its active ingredient to kill rats and mice.
Cholecalciferol, also called activated vitamin D3, contains compounds that cause high calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. This causes rats to develop hypercalcemia — a condition where the calcium level is raised to such a degree that it damages the stomach, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, and heart. It will kill rats within a week of ingestion.
Zinc or Metal Phosphides
According to the National Pesticide Information Center, Zinc phosphide is primarily used in rodenticide baits. When a rat eats the bait, the acid in its stomach turns the zinc phosphide into phosphine gas, which is a toxic gas that can kill the rodent within a few days. However, this option is very poisonous to pets and people, so use caution.
Alternatives to Rat Poison
Rat poisons are normally toxic to children and pets, so it’s best to keep them out of reach. Still, if you want to opt for a safer method of getting rid of rats, consider the following non-toxic options:
Box Traps
Box traps are designed to catch a rat without injuring it, making it great for homeowners who want to treat all animals humanely. To use it, just place rat bait in the trap and wait. When the rat enters, it will knock over the support for the door and trap itself inside. Then, you can carry the trap to a remote location and release the rat.
Snap Traps
Spring traps are the most traditional and reusable option, although they’re mostly used on smaller rodents like mice. Still, a properly sprung trap will kill a rat instantly. Look for metal or heavy-duty plastic traps since these are easy to clean and reuse.
Electrocuting Traps
These traps may be a bit more expensive than other methods, but they kill rodents quickly. Electrocuting traps deliver a high-voltage shock that eliminates rodents in a matter of seconds.
Glue Traps
Also called “sticky traps,” glue traps are a popular alternative for getting rid of mice and rats. Rodents become trapped in a glue-like substance, leaving them unable to escape.
Is it Legal to Buy Rat Poison?
Yes, it’s legal to buy rat poison, but not every kind. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, all mouse and rat bait pellets are banned. There are also strict guidelines for purchasing residential rat poison or rodent baits.
For example, the EPA states, “All rodenticide bait products marketed to residential consumers must be sold as a block or paste bait, packaged with an EPA-approved bait station.” They go on to say, “Products marketed to residential consumers may contain no more than one pound of rodenticide bait.”
This likely won’t affect many homeowners, but be cautious to only purchase approved forms of rat poison.
How To Dispose of Dead Rats
It’s important to get rid of a dead rodent as soon as possible because it can transmit a number of diseases to humans. Regardless of which method you use to get rid of a rat or mouse, follow these steps to dispose of it properly:
- Wear rubber gloves.
- Spray the dead rat and surrounding area with disinfectant.
- Remove the rat from the trap and place it in a plastic bag.
- Seal the bag and be careful not to push any air out of the bag — doing so may spread bacteria.
- Throw away the rat trap (if it’s a single-use trap) or clean and store it away for later use.
- Place the bag with the rat in another bag and seal it firmly.
- Throw the bag in the trash and take out your garbage as soon as possible.
- While still wearing gloves, wash your hands with a disinfectant.
- Remove the gloves and throw them in the trash.
- After removing the gloves, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
How Do I Get Rid of a Rat That’s Still Alive?
If you use a box trap, there’s a high probability that the rat will be alive after being caught. Follow these instructions to safely release a live rat:
- Put on rubber gloves before touching the trap or rat.
- Inspect the trap for signs of a live rat.
- Place the trap in a box or bucket and transport it at least two miles away from your home to prevent the rat from returning.
- To release the rat, turn the trap upside down so it opens downward and keeps the rat from running toward you when released.
- When you return home, clean the trap and remove any feces or debris.
- Reset the trap, if needed, or store it away for future use.
- While still wearing your gloves, wash your hands with a disinfectant.
- Remove the gloves and discard them in the trash.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Symptoms of Rat Poisoning
If you believe your child or pet accidentally ingested rat poison, look for the following symptoms of rodenticide poisoning. Note that symptoms may vary based on the ingredients in a poison.
- Lethargic movements or intolerance to exercise
- Coughing and difficulty breathing
- Weakness or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Nose bleeds or visible blood in urine or stools
If your child or pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a poison control center immediately or call 911.
How To Prevent Future Rodent Infestations
Rat infestations typically occur in the fall, when temperatures drop and rodents seek warmth and shelter. Start taking the following precautionary measures at the end of summer and maintain these tactics throughout the fall and winter.
- Eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter for rodents — Start by putting pet food away and cleaning your kitchen regularly to avoid leaving food scraps. If food isn’t out for rats to find, there’s less of a chance of them entering your home.
- Make sure garbage bags are tightly tied and secured — Open or torn garbage bags can attract rodents to your discarded food. When your trash is full, take it out as soon as possible.
- Seal existing holes in your homes — Rodents can enter your home through broken windows, holes in doors, or cracks in your foundation. Properly seal any holes with caulk to keep them out.
- Call a pro to evaluate — If you keep having issues with rats, call in a pest control professional who can inspect your home for areas that pose a potential risk for a rat infestation.
Should I Hire a Rat Exterminator?
If you try the methods above and you still can’t get rid of the rats in your home, I recommend calling a certified pest control company to help. A professional exterminator will be able to identify the extent of your rat infestation as well as rid your home of existing rodents. Many pest control companies use chemicals to exterminate rats as well as safer, eco-friendly ways to get rid of rats naturally. If you’re considering hiring a professional, read this guide on the cost of rat extermination to help you make your decision.
So, What Are The Best Rat Poisons?
While there’s not one right or wrong way to handle a rat infestation, some of the best methods for getting rid of rats are chemical rat poisons, rat traps, and hiring professionals to get rid of your rats. However, rats are smart, and they’re not as easy to kill as mice. If you’re not feeling up to the task, hiring professional pest control experts may be the best decision.
Many pest professionals also handle rodent control, so if you’re not sure where to start looking for exterminators, get an estimate from one of our top brands below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies will I need to dispose of a dead rat?
When disponsing of a dead rat or any kind of dead animal, you should have rubber gloves, disinfectant, plastic bags, and soap and water on hand. Rats can spread diseases, so it’s important to use caution when disposing of them.
How long does it take for rat poison to work?
This depends on the type of poison. First-generation poisons can kill a rat in a week or less. Second-generation poisons can kill a rat in only two or three days.
Can rat poison harm wildlife?
Yes, rat poison can harm any animal that consumes the poison, either directly or indirectly. This means that if an animal eats prey that had already eaten rat poison, the living animal could die as well. This can create a ripple effect that can harm a lot of different creatures.
Are there pet-safe or child-safe alternatives to traditional rat poison?
Yes, there are safe ways to get rid of rodents, including box traps, natural repellants, and pet-safe rodenticides like MouseX, RatX, and RatRid.
