What does rat poison look like? - briefly
Rat poison usually comes as small, brightly colored pellets, granules or liquid bait—commonly orange, red, or pink—to indicate danger. It is also available as dusts for traps and slow‑dissolving blocks.
What does rat poison look like? - in detail
Rodent control products appear in several distinct formats, each designed for specific application methods and target species.
Pelleted or granulated baits are small, uniformly sized particles, typically 2–5 mm in diameter. They often display a dull, matte finish and are colored orange, red, or pink to enhance visibility. The coloration is achieved with non‑toxic dyes and may include imprinted symbols such as a skull or a stylized rat silhouette to indicate toxicity.
Block baits resemble compact bricks, measuring roughly 1–2 inches on each side. These blocks are dense, slightly porous, and commonly coated with a thin layer of wax or polymer that slows dissolution. Standard colors are bright orange or red, sometimes with a contrasting black border. The surface may be scored with shallow grooves to facilitate break‑off pieces for placement.
Liquid formulations consist of thick, viscous solutions contained in sealed plastic bottles or sachets. The liquid is usually amber or clear, often tinted with a faint yellow hue. Labels feature bold, black text and graphic warnings, and the containers are equipped with child‑resistant caps.
Powdered poisons are fine, dry particles that resemble flour or talc. They are typically off‑white or light gray, sometimes blended with a faintly colored carrier to discourage accidental ingestion. Packaging for powders includes sealed pouches or metal cans with tamper‑evident seals.
Bait stations are rigid plastic or metal boxes that house the aforementioned baits. The stations are opaque, often black or dark gray, and contain a hinged door with a lockable latch. Exterior markings include the word “POISON” in capital letters, a skull icon, and a conspicuous orange or red warning stripe.
Safety labels on all forms display standardized hazard symbols: a skull and crossbones, an exclamation point, and statements such as “For professional use only” or “Keep out of reach of children and pets.” The text is printed in high‑contrast black on a yellow background, complying with regulatory requirements.
In summary, rodent toxicants are readily identifiable by their bright warning colors, distinctive shapes (pellets, blocks, liquids, powders), and prominently displayed hazard symbols. The visual cues are deliberately designed to prevent accidental handling and to facilitate correct placement by pest‑control professionals.