Rat Poisons and Wildlife: What’s the Big Deal

Nobody likes pests, hence why pesticides were invented. Rodenticides are a specific type of pesticide used to control rats and mice, but they can have impacts throughout the food chain if not used correctly. In this episode, we will explore the science behind rodenticides, the impact of rodenticides, and of course, best management practices when it comes to controlling rodents in our yards and neighborhoods.

National Pesticide Information Center: What are rodenticides? - http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/rodenticides.html
AskIFAS: Rat and Mouse Control - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/DH044
Potential Risks of Nine Rodenticides to Birds and Nontarget Mammals: a Comparative Approach - https://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/pesticides/EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0955-0005.pdf
Rodent management options in and around the home - https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2022/07/25/management-of-rodents/ 

How You Can Help:

Share what you learned with a friend!
Implement integrated pest management (IPM) - http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74106.html
If resorting to rodenticides, ensure you read the label and apply correctly - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PI284

Sources for this Episode:

Cornell Wildlife Health Lab: Rodenticide Toxicity - https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/rodenticide-toxicity
National Pesticide Information Center: What are rodenticides? - http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/rodenticides.html
Potential Risks of Nine Rodenticides to Birds and Nontarget Mammals: a Comparative Approach - https://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/pesticides/EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0955-0005.pdf
AskIFAS: Rat and Mouse Control - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/DH044

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