How are rats poisoned with rat poison? - briefly
Commercial rodent baits contain anticoagulant agents such as brodifacoum, bromadiolone, or warfarin. After a rat consumes the bait, the toxin blocks vitamin K recycling, causing uncontrolled bleeding and death within one to three days.
How are rats poisoned with rat poison? - in detail
Rodent control products containing anticoagulant compounds are applied to target populations through bait stations, blocks, or granules. The active ingredients—commonly warfarin, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, or difenacoum—interfere with vitamin K recycling, preventing synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. As a result, internal bleeding occurs after the animal consumes a lethal dose, typically ranging from 0.1 mg to 2 mg of active substance per kilogram of body weight, depending on the toxin’s potency and the species’ susceptibility.
Application methods
- Bait stations: sealed containers protect poison from weather, non‑target animals, and children; rodents enter, chew a measured portion, and exit.
- Loose blocks or pellets: placed in concealed locations such as wall voids, attics, or burrows; rodents gnaw directly.
- Granular formulations: broadcast on the ground around entry points; rodents ingest while foraging.
Mechanism of toxicity
- Ingestion of the anticoagulant.
- Absorption into bloodstream.
- Inhibition of vitamin K epoxide reductase enzyme.
- Depletion of clotting factors over 24–72 hours.
- Hemorrhage in internal organs, leading to death.
Factors influencing efficacy
- Palatability: flavoring agents (e.g., chocolate, peanut butter) increase acceptance.
- Resistance: some populations possess genetic mutations in the VKORC1 gene, reducing sensitivity; rotating active ingredients or using multi‑dose baits mitigates this.
- Secondary poisoning: predators or scavengers that consume carcasses may acquire sub‑lethal doses; using low‑dose, single‑feed baits minimizes risk.
- Environmental conditions: moisture and temperature affect bait stability; waterproof packaging preserves potency.
Safety precautions
- Locate bait stations at least 10 feet from food preparation areas.
- Use tamper‑proof devices to prevent accidental exposure.
- Follow label‑specified application rates; over‑application does not increase mortality and heightens non‑target hazards.
- Dispose of dead rodents promptly to avoid disease spread and secondary ingestion.
By integrating appropriately formulated anticoagulant baits, controlled placement, and adherence to dosage guidelines, the lethal action against rodents is achieved reliably while limiting impact on humans, pets, and wildlife.