How long does mouse poison work on mice? - briefly
Typical anticoagulant baits produce symptoms within 24 hours and usually result in death after three to five days, depending on dose and product. Faster‑acting agents such as bromethalin or zinc phosphide can kill within a few hours of ingestion.
How long does mouse poison work on mice? - in detail
The effectiveness of rodenticide on mice depends on the active ingredient, dosage, and environmental conditions. Anticoagulant baits such as bromadiolone or difenacoum usually cause mortality within 3–7 days after ingestion, with most deaths occurring between the fourth and sixth day. Acute neurotoxic poisons, for example bromethalin, produce symptoms within a few hours and lead to death in 24–48 hours. Zinc phosphide reacts with stomach acid, releasing phosphine gas; lethal effects appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Several factors modify these intervals:
- Amount consumed: Sub‑lethal doses extend the time to death, sometimes doubling the typical period.
- Age and health of the mouse: Juvenile or weakened individuals succumb faster than robust adults.
- Temperature: Higher ambient temperatures increase metabolic rate, shortening the onset of toxicity.
- Food availability: Access to alternative food sources can delay ingestion of the bait, lengthening overall control time.
Residual activity of a bait station is not permanent. In indoor settings, potency remains for 2–4 weeks if the product is stored in a sealed container and protected from moisture. Outdoor applications lose effectiveness more quickly; exposure to rain and sunlight reduces potency after 5–7 days.
Monitoring guidelines:
- Inspect bait stations daily for consumption and replace any depleted or contaminated units.
- Record the date of placement and the observed time until the first mortalities.
- After the expected mortality window, conduct a follow‑up inspection to confirm the absence of live mice, extending surveillance for an additional week to capture late‑acting cases.
Understanding these timelines enables precise planning of control programs and minimizes the risk of prolonged exposure to poisoned rodents.