Rodent Control
Rodents have been known to damage buildings, contaminate food and transmit diseases to people. They're diverse; the rodent family includes rats, mice, gophers, voles, beavers and more. They're also adaptable, capable of learning by trial and error. As a result, people who need to control them have always struggled to "build a better mouse-trap." The following collection of resources, presented by the National Pesticide Information Center, is intended to help you make informed decisions about how to proceed in controlling/preventing rodent infestations in your home or business.
Keep in mind these important tips:
- Always read and follow label directions for any pesticide product, including rodent baits. It's the law.
- Always store pesticides in a cool, dry place that's not accessible to children and pets. Rodent baits, in particular, can be attractive and dangerous to kids, pets and wildlife.
- Many rodenticide baits have the potential to be toxic to wildlife if the product is eaten, or if an animal eats a rodent that was recently poisoned. If you suspect an animal may have been poisoned, please contact NPIC at the number listed below to talk with a pesticide specialist.
- It's important to know which species of rodent you're dealing with; they have different capabilities and preferences. The first step in any effective control program is proper pest identification. For help identifying your rodent infestation, try using this handy guide, or try contacting your local Cooperative Extension Service.
- Many experts recommend an IPM approach, which stands for Integrated Pest Management. This kind of approach emphasizes prevention, sanitation and exclusion, and utilizes pesticides only as a last resort when other options have been exhausted. Click here to learn more about IPM, or browse the following links.
Rodent Control and Identification
- Controlling Rodents - EPA
- Rat and Mouse Control - University of Florida Extension
- House Mouse Control - University of California Extension
- Rat Control - University of California Extension
- Roof Rat Control around Homes and Other Structures - University of Arizona Extension
- Brown Rat Management - University of Illinois Extension
- Rodenticides for Control of Norway Rats, Roof Rats and House Mice - University of California Extension
- Rats and Mice in the Pacific Northwest - Washington State Extension
- Rodent Control in Poultry Houses - Mississippi State Extension
- Control of Roof Rats in Fruit Trees - University of Florida Extension
- Protecting Trees from Rodent Damage - University of Minnesota Extension
- Rodent Control for Swine Operations - University of Nebraska Extension
- School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Rats and Mice - University of Vermont Extension
- Bait Stations for Controlling Rats and Mice - University of Nebraska Extension
- Rodent-Proof Structural Construction Methods - University of Nebraska Extension
- Non-Chemical Rodent Control in Schools - University of Florida Extension
Rodenticide Poisoning in Humans
- Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Fact Sheet - Rodenticides - EPA
- Reregistration of Rodenticides - EPA
- Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings - Rodenticides - EPA
- Pesticide Toxicity Profile: Coumarin and Indandione Rodenticides - University of Florida Extension
- Pesticide Toxicity Profile: Miscellaneous Rodenticides - University of Florida Extension
- Zinc Phosphide Rodenticides - Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Long-Acting Anti-coagulant Rodenticides - Iowa Poison Control Center
- Salmonella-based Rodenticides and Public Health - CDC
- Rodenticide Ingredients - Alanwood.net
Rodenticide Poisoning in Pets and Wildlife
- Anticoagulant Rodenticide Toxicosis in the Dog and Cat - University of Georgia
- Anticoagulant Rodenticides - PetEducation.com
- Bromethalin ToxBrief - ASPCA
- Cholecalciferol Rodenticide Poisoning - ASPCA
- Zinc-containing Rodenticides - PetEducation.com
- Potential Risks of Nine Rodenticides to Birds and Nontarget Mammals: a Comparative Approach - EPA
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