What is a rat stone called? - briefly
The device is known as a rat bait stone, often shortened to rat stone. It is a solid block of poison‑impregnated material designed to kill rodents.
What is a rat stone called? - in detail
The object placed in walls or foundations to attract or kill rodents is commonly referred to as a “rat stone.” It is also known by several alternative names, including rat bait stone, rat lure stone, rat kill stone, and vermin stone.
These stones are typically made from a mixture of clay, chalk, and a toxic ingredient such as arsenic, strychnine, or modern rodenticides. The toxic component is absorbed into the porous matrix, allowing rats that gnaw on the stone to ingest a lethal dose. Historically, the formulation varied by region; in 19th‑century England, a common recipe combined powdered arsenic with lime and glue, while in some Asian traditions the stone incorporated powdered mercury.
Key characteristics:
- Placement – inserted into cracks, under floorboards, or within mortar joints where rats travel.
- Durability – hard enough to resist breakage, yet porous enough to release poison gradually.
- Odor – often scented with attractants such as grain or animal fat to encourage gnawing.
- Regulation – contemporary use is restricted in many jurisdictions due to toxicity; safer alternatives include snap traps and bait stations.
Modern pest‑control products that serve the same purpose are marketed as “rodenticide blocks” or “rodent bait blocks.” These retain the basic concept of a solid, poison‑laden mass but comply with current safety standards, featuring regulated concentrations of anticoagulant compounds and child‑resistant packaging.
In summary, the traditional term for this pest‑control device is “rat stone,” with variations that reflect composition, regional usage, and modern regulatory language.