Are you tired of sharing your home with unwanted rodents? Have you tried commercial rat poisons to no avail? Fear not, as we have compiled a list of effective DIY rat control solutions for you! These homemade rat poison options not only help you get rid of pesky rats, but also save you money and minimize the risk to your pets and the environment. Read on to discover various methods, safety precautions, and alternatives to keep your home rat-free!
Key Takeaways On Homemade Rat Poison
- Create effective and humane DIY rodent control solutions with baking soda, sugar mixtures, instant mashed potatoes, boric acid/chicken broth combos or plaster of Paris/cornmeal concoctions.
- Take necessary safety precautions when using homemade rat poisons to protect humans and other animals.
- Monitor signs of activity regularly & use alternative non-toxic methods such as electric zappers & repellents to prevent future infestations.
Top 7 Homemade Rat Poison Mixtures:
There are hundreds of mixtures and concoctions that people have talked about for rat poisons, I’m sure a lot of those do work, but these are the 7 homemade mixtures that we have tested and know for a fact work as rat poison.
Baking Soda and Sugar Mixture
One popular homemade rat poison is the baking soda and sugar mixture. This simple concoction can effectively kill rats by causing internal bloating and rupture in their digestive systems. However, keep in mind that this method might not be the most humane one, leading to severe internal hemorrhage, but it is effective.
The efficacy of baking soda is significantly lower than commercial rat poisons like Warfarin, making it a less effective solution for a rat infestation. Moreover, a considerable amount of baking soda consumption will lead to the death of these pesky rodents. That being said, this mixture will take some time to see results, so if you need more instant results, then consider a traditional rat poison.
Despite its shortcomings, the baking soda and sugar mixture can still prove useful in certain situations. To create this homemade rat poison, simply:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar or chocolate powder.
- Place the mixture in jar lids.
- Position the jar lids strategically around your home that you know the rats have had access to, such as your basement, garage, or attic.
You won’t see results for at least 48 hours, so occasionally look for signs to ensure the rats are eating the mixture.
Instant Mashed Potato Solution
Another inexpensive and simple way to create your own rat poison is the instant mashed potato solution. This solution is designed to kill rats instantly when mixed with water, as it expands in the rat’s stomach. Instant mashed potatoes induce thirst in rats, leading them to consume water and become bloated, eventually causing respiratory distress and death.
To prepare the instant mashed potato solution, follow these steps:
- Combine instant mashed potato powder with sugar or cheese to ensure rats are interested.
- Place the mixture in small containers or jar lids.
- Position the bait in areas with high concentrations of rat droppings and urine stains to effectively target the rodents.
Boric Acid and Chicken Broth Combo
The boric acid and chicken broth combo is another homemade rat poison that can be deadly to rats by causing internal bleeding. Chicken broth is an effective attractant for rats. Boric acid, in this instance, works to eliminate them. However, this method may not be effective on adult rats and should be used with caution.
To prepare the boric acid and chicken broth combo, follow these steps:
- Mix chicken broth and boric acid in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into jar lids.
- Place mixtures in and around areas where you’ve seen rodent activity
- Keep the bait out of reach of children, pets, and other animals.
Regular checks are vital when using this homemade rat poison. Prompt removal of dead rats from poison sites is needed to prevent the odor during decomposition. Always handle the bait with care and store it in a secure location.
Plaster of Paris and Cornmeal Concoction
The plaster of Paris and cornmeal concoction works as a rat poison by forming a hard, indigestible mass in the rat’s stomach, leading to dehydration or starvation, similar to the instant mashed potato mixture. To create this homemade rat poison, follow these steps:
- Mix cornmeal and plaster of Paris in a large bowl, you can also use plaster of Paris and baking soda.
- Add one or two cups of milk to the mixture.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a dough.
- Break the dough into small pieces.
- Roll the pieces into small balls
- Place the balls in areas where you’ve seen rodent activity.
- If the rodents aren’t eating the malls, then you can also add some sugar or cheese into the mixture to attract the rats.
The plaster of Paris poison solidifies the rat’s stomach and intestines, resulting in their death. The mixture of cement and plaster of Paris will harden when left out for a few days, so regular bait replacement is necessary to maintain its potency.
Ammonia-Based Rat Repellent
Ammonia-based rat repellent is a potent solution that damages rats’ lungs, making it an effective method to repel rats. To create this rat repellent, mix equal parts of water and ammonia in a spray bottle. The strong smell of the ammonia-based rat repellent interferes with rats’ respiration, which can be fatal and certain levels, but the smell is enough to repel and deter rats.
However, ammonia demands careful handling. Extreme care is needed when dealing with this compound since it can harm both humans and pets. Wear protective gloves and a mask to shield yourself from the noxious fumes.
Despite its potency, ammonia-based rat repellent should be used as a last resort due to its potential risks. Always consider alternative methods and safety precautions before resorting to harsh chemicals to solve a rat problem.
Safety Precautions for DIY Rat Poisons
When using DIY rat poisons, safety should be a priority. Proper management, storage, and disposal of homemade rat poisons are key to reducing risks to pets, children, and the environment. For example, vitamin D-3 is toxic to dogs, cats, and children, so it should be stored securely where they cannot access it.
Rodenticides pose risks to:
- Humans
- Pets
- Wildlife
- Non-target species
They also have detrimental effects on the environment. It is recommended that only professional exterminators be entrusted with the use of rodenticides, as they possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to solve rat problems safely and effectively.
By following necessary safety precautions, you can protect your family, pets, and the environment while effectively dealing with a rat infestation. Always be vigilant and prioritize safety when handling any homemade rat poison, as it can unintentionally poison rats that are not the intended target.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Homemade Rat Poisons
To accurately assess the effectiveness of homemade rat poisons, watch out for signs of rat activity, review the bait frequently, and give enough time for results to manifest. Signs of rat activity can include droppings, gnaw marks, and tracks. Additionally, traps can be set up to monitor for rat activity.
Inspect the bait regularly to ensure it remains in place and has not been consumed, which is crucial when dealing with a rat infestation. By staying vigilant and monitoring the situation closely, you can determine if your chosen homemade rat poison is effectively solving your rat problem.
Remember that homemade rat poisons may take time to show results, so it is important to be patient and persistent in your efforts. If you find that your chosen method is not yielding the desired results, consider trying alternative methods or seeking professional assistance.
Alternative Non-Toxic Rat Control Methods
If you prefer not to use homemade rat poisons, there are alternative non-toxic rat control methods available. These methods include using natural repellents, electric rat zappers, and pet-safe commercial rat poisons to protect your home without harming other animals.
Electric rat zappers are devices designed to eliminate rodents quickly and conveniently, making them an effective alternative to homemade rat poisons. Natural repellents such as peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil can also deter rats from entering your home without posing risks to pets and children.
Before resorting to homemade rat poisons, it’s advised to evaluate alternative methods and their pros and cons. This approach will help you find a safe and effective solution to maintain a rat-free home.
Final Thoughts On Homemade Rat Poison
In conclusion, homemade rat poisons offer an alternative solution to commercial rat poisons, allowing you to tackle rat infestations with cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods. By following necessary safety precautions and monitoring the effectiveness of your chosen method, you can keep your home rat-free without risking the health of your family, pets, and the environment. Remember, prevention is better than cure – take proactive steps to deter rats from entering your home and maintain a clean, safe environment for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does baking soda do to kill rats?
Baking soda reacts with the acids in the rat’s stomach, creating carbon dioxide that builds up and causes a rupture or blockage that may lead to the death of the rat.
However, this method is not guaranteed to be effective and is not humane.
Can vinegar kill rats?
Yes, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be used as a poison to kill rats.
It must, however, be handled with care when applying it.
What is the most effective homemade rat poison?
Baking soda and sugar, instant mashed potato solution, and boric acid and chicken broth are all popular homemade rat poisons that can be effective in different situations.