There’s no doubt about it, a mice infestation gives any homeowner a headache. You find droppings on the floor, chew marks on cardboard boxes, and maybe hear some scurrying across the ceiling or in the walls. You want these critters gone as soon as possible, but DIY products—particularly rat poison—aren’t the solution. Avoid these three risks from rat poison and consider humane mouse removal instead.

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1. Accidental Ingestion

While older children and adults know not to dig into anything that looks unfamiliar, children and pets are less aware of this concept. Young kids are naturally curious, and if they see rat poison placed around the home or in areas they can easily reach, this presents a tricky situation. Unfamiliar objects are appealing to children and pets, hooking them in to see more.

Rat poison resembles candy, made available in a pellet-shaped form that takes only seconds for a child to scoop up. Not only does it look appealing, it tastes sweet, acting as another deceptive attraction for an unintended audience. If it’s not placed up high in a secure location, dogs or cats may sniff out the bag, accidentally eating a few once they open it up.

While clinical signs vary, using rat poison is a big risk with grave consequences, which could result in an unplanned trip to the vet or ER. Don’t let that happen. Avoid rat poison for the health and safety of your family, and think about humane mouse removal options instead.

2. Lasting Effects on Biodiversity

Mice aren’t the only ones who end up ingesting rat poison, it travels through to the next animal who eats that mouse. As mice don’t die immediately after ingestion, this lag gives them plenty of time to go back to their nest.

Rat poison prevents blood clotting, with active ingredients that slow mice down, in turn making them more susceptible to hungry animals. Their sluggish behaviour resulting from the poison going through their system makes them more vulnerable to predators who eat these mice and unknowingly harm themselves.

Whether mice are caught still woozy or already dead, they’re still full of poison. Carnivores and scavengers who ingest mice feel second-hand effects and become carriers of the poison themselves. Owls and red-tailed hawks are just two examples of species who have been found dead from internal bleeding after feeding on poisoned mice.

Dead mice carcasses also decontaminate any soil and water they come into contact with. Using rodenticides is one simple act for you that has unfortunate side effects on the environment. Compared against humane mouse removal, rat poison just isn’t worth it.

3. Health Risks

Two types of poison are used to kill mice: anticoagulants and non-anticoagulants. The first one works within a couple of days, while the latter takes a few hours. Regardless, as mentioned above, mice aren’t going to die right on the spot.

If they’re heading back to a nest in your home and don’t make it, not only do you still have a mouse problem, the problem involves a dead mouse. A foul-smelling and decaying body poses a number of diseases, and handling dead mice without the proper equipment puts you at risk of contracting them. Disposing of dead mice requires thorough cleaning and decontamination practices—a task best left to the professionals, who have the equipment and means to handle this without harming themselves.

Pests certainly pose public health concerns, but rodenticides are too deadly an option with too many negative impacts. Opt for humane mouse removal, an alternative that evicts mice using safe methods while making sure your family and pets are safe.

Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!

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