How to Correctly Choose and Use Rodenticides

Rat Hole Under a Stove

Chemicals that are effective in killing rodents are appellated rodenticides ("rodent" comes from the Latin rōdēns, rōdēnt- ‎(“gnawer; one who gnaws”) and "cide," a suffix meaning "killer"}). When applied properly these chemicals are valuable pesticides, but when misused they can harm pets, children, and the environment. Determine the exact nature of your rodent infestation before applying chemical poisons. Make a thorough inspection of your room, basement, whole house, or outdoor area. Look for evidence that rodents are present. Signs of rodents include claw marks and droppings. Search the Internet for pictures of rodent droppings to determine the type of rodent and species infesting your home. Before applying rodenticide, make sure the infesting rodents are rats and not mice.

Now that you have determined the type of invader, look for clues that will tell you about his behavior. Search for borrows in the ground,  holes in concrete or in the walls. Determine what activities the creatures are engaged in on your property. Are they nesting on  or merely visiting in search of food?  Rat droppings around your trash cans are a sign they are visiting  in search of food. Rat holes near your stove or refrigerator are a sign the rats are nesting. Sometime they will make a nest by removing your refrigerator's insulation.

 

Sometimes it will make more sense to use mechanical traps rather than chemical bait. Facilities for sick people and homes with pets and children are two types of residences where  using mechanical rat traps might be more appropriate.

Once you make the decision to use rodenticides, you will need to decide which type of rodenticide is appropriate for the specific rodent problem you are facing. Wax bait is moisture resistant and therefore a good choice for exterminating external infestations. Pellets are effective against rats that are raiding the home to eat.  Tracking powder works well against rats in holes and borrows. Introduce the powder into the hole or borrow, then seal up the opening. This will ensure that only rats, but not children or pets, eat the poison.

To ensure the safety of your applications, always put them in areas that are invisible and inaccessible to pets and kids. Keep in mind that if children merely see the poison, they will try to get at it. If the poisons are out of site but accessible,  pets are likely to find them during their foraging around the home.

One last tip. If your infestation is serious, don't try tackling it yourself. Call in a pest exterminator to handle it for you.

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A # 1 Pest Control of Baltimore (Local Rat Control Experts); 7236 Park Heights Avenue; Apt. A. ,Baltimore, MD. 21208; 410-764-7500; Baltimore, Md. Pest Control Baltimore, Md. Pest Control