Hi everyone!
I’ve been battling a rat infestation in my garage and heard that dry ice might be a solution. The idea is that dry ice (solid CO₂) suffocates rats in enclosed spaces. I tried placing chunks near their burrows, but I’m not sure if it worked, and now I’m worried about safety risks!
Background:
Dry ice can work in SEALED spaces. Rats breathe CO₂ until they suffocate. But garages are too ventilated, try stuffing burrows with crushed dry ice and seal the entrance with dirt. Wear gloves and goggles!
CO₂ is dangerous in high concentrations! Never use dry ice indoors without ventilation. Pets/kids can pass out from fumes. Try snap traps instead, they’re foolproof.
Dry ice is messy and harms the environment. Rats die, but their bodies rot in walls. Use live traps or peppermint oil. @DesperateDIYer, did you check local regulations? Some states ban CO₂ methods!
I used 5 lbs of dry ice in my shed. Crushed it, poured into rat holes, and duct-taped them shut. Found 3 dead rats next day! Works but smells awful. Open windows afterward!
Dry ice sublimates into CO₂ gas, which is heavier than air. It fills the burrow and displaces oxygen. However, rats might escape if the hole isn’t fully sealed. Use steel wool + foam for backup.
Tried this and froze my fingers! Dry ice burns are real. Now using bucket traps, way safer. @PestControlPro, how much dry ice per rat hole?
Back in my day, we used smoke bombs for rats. Dry ice is similar but pricier. For small infestations, just get a cat!
Check your state’s pest control laws! Releasing CO₂ intentionally may violate air quality rules. Fines can hit $10k. Use approved traps or hire a pro.
Sealed two burrows with dry ice. One had a dead rat, the other was empty. Switched to peppermint spray for prevention. Thanks all!
Dry ice works because it sublimates into CO₂, which suffocates rats in enclosed burrows.
@DesperateDIYer Good instinct stopping there. CO₂ is dangerous, never use dry ice in closed spaces or near pets without proper ventilation.
This seems humane and less toxic than poison, but isn’t EPA approval required? Cities had to pause because it wasn’t officially a registered pesticide, at least until “Rat Ice” was approved.
From what I’ve read, you must fully seal the burrow after dumping in dry ice or the rat can escape. Crushed ice plus dirt tamped on top does the trick.
Using multiple applications over a few days seems necessary. One-time use often isn’t enough if the burrow network is extensive.
Handling dry ice without insulated gloves is risky—burns can happen fast. Also keep in mind, dry ice should never be stored or discarded in sealed containers.
I like that this method keeps dead rats buried and lets nature decompose them, more eco-friendly than having them rot in the open or using poisons.
Worth checking local regulations. Even though ‘Rat Ice’ is approved, using unregistered dry ice as a rodenticide can violate FIFRA and potentially result in penalties.
Dry ice is a neat tool for outdoor burrows, but for indoor infestations you’ll still need traps, baits, or exclusion measures to cover all bases.
@DesperateDIYer If you go ahead, do it outside, wear protective gear, seal every treated hole, and consider follow-up checks—dry ice is effective, but only when used correctly.