What folk remedies can be used to poison mice? - briefly
Common folk rodent poisons include a blend of powdered chalk with powdered insecticide, a paste of dried milk mixed with arsenic or copper sulfate, and a solution of castor oil combined with powdered sugar or flour, each applied as bait in areas where mice travel.
What folk remedies can be used to poison mice? - in detail
Traditional household mixtures that have been employed to eliminate mice rely on readily available toxic agents combined with attractants.
A common preparation uses powdered copper sulfate (CuSO₄) mixed with an equal part of powdered sugar or flour. The sugar draws the rodent, while copper sulfate disrupts cellular respiration, causing rapid death. The ratio of 1 g copper sulfate to 1 g sugar is sufficient for a small bait station.
Another method employs dried castor beans, the source of ricin. Beans are ground to a fine powder, then blended with a tablespoon of honey or peanut butter to mask bitterness. Ricin inhibits protein synthesis, leading to fatal organ failure within hours. Extreme caution is required; even minute inhalation or skin contact can be hazardous.
A third approach utilizes nicotine extracted from tobacco leaves. Leaves are soaked in ethanol for 48 hours, filtered, and the resulting solution is diluted to a concentration of 0.5 % nicotine. The solution is applied to small pieces of bread or cheese. Nicotine acts as a potent neurotoxin, causing paralysis and respiratory arrest. The solution must be stored in a sealed container away from children and pets.
A less lethal but still effective folk recipe combines ground black pepper, cayenne, and powdered chalk in a 2:1:1 ratio. The spicy blend irritates the mouse’s respiratory tract, while chalk creates a mechanical blockage when ingested in large quantities. The mixture is placed on a thin slice of cheese.
Bitter almond extract, which contains trace amounts of hydrogen cyanide, can be mixed with cornmeal at a 1:10 ratio. The cyanide interferes with cytochrome oxidase, halting cellular respiration. This bait must be prepared in a well‑ventilated area and kept out of reach of non‑target species.
All listed preparations rely on a toxic component that is lethal to rodents at low doses. Proper placement—inside concealed bait stations—reduces exposure to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Use of gloves, eye protection, and immediate disposal of unused bait are essential safety measures.