I’ve been dealing with a small mouse issue lately and was considering using rodent poison. But before I go that route, I wanted to check — how safe is it really when you’ve got pets or little kids around?
I’ve read mixed opinions online. Some say it’s fine if you use tamper-proof bait stations, while others claim even trace amounts can be dangerous if accidentally touched or eaten.
Here’s what I’d love to know from you all:
Safety: Are modern rodenticides still as toxic to pets and kids as they used to be?
Alternatives: Have you found safer or more natural ways to deal with rodents?
Effectiveness: Are bait traps as good as traditional poison baits?
Experience: Anyone ever had a close call or a bad experience using them?
I want to handle this problem responsibly — just don’t want to trade mice for an ER visit.
Please don’t risk it. Most rodent poisons are anticoagulants, which can be deadly even in small amounts for dogs and cats. I learned that the hard way — my Labrador had to be hospitalized after getting into one.
Agree 100%. If you’ve got pets or kids, stick to enclosed bait stations only. Or better yet, use snap traps inside sealed boxes. They’re messy but much safer.
I switched to peppermint oil and steel wool in entry gaps, it’s not perfect, but it cut down activity a ton. No chemicals, no worries about the cat sniffing around.
If you have to use poison, go for single-feed blocks with child-resistant housing. The packaging is much better now than it used to be. Still, place them only in crawl spaces or attics, never open areas.
I’d say no way. I’ve got toddlers and a dog, just the thought stresses me out. Glue traps and old-school snap traps do the job fine if you check them regularly.
Also remember, even if your pet doesn’t touch the bait directly, they could get secondary poisoning by eating a poisoned mouse. It’s rare, but it happens.
Good point! I run a pest control business, and we never recommend open poison placements in family homes. Enclosed traps, ultrasonic repellents, and sealing entry points work way better long term.
I live on a rural property, and what worked for us was a combo of metal snap traps and food storage cleanup. Rodents won’t stay if there’s nothing to eat.