Rodenticides are a specific type of pesticide used to control rats and mice, also known as rat poisons, 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 rat poisons, and of course, best management practices when it comes to controlling rodents in our yards and neighborhoods.
We hope this brief introduction to rodenticides will help you feel more informed about your options for pest control. By implementing integrated pest management and using rat poisons only as a last resort, we can limit our contribution to primary and secondary exposure to non-target wildlife such as owls, hawks, and our pets.
New Episode from Naturally Florida
Naturally Florida (a podcast about Florida’s natural areas and the wild things that live here) recently released a new episode about rodenticides in Florida.
Check it out, below on Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform.
If you enjoyed this episode about controlling rats and mice, please consider sharing it with a friend.
You can find all the podcast platforms where Naturally Florida is published, submit feedback, or request future topics at www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com
Learn more:
- 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
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 Toxi city – https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/rodenticide-toxicity
- 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
Learn about other episodes from Naturally Florida by Clicking Here.
University of Florida IFAS Extension is committed to diversity of people, thought and opinion, to inclusiveness and to equal opportunity.
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
Source: UF/IFAS Pest Alert
