11 Best Rat Poisons For Pest Control At Home In 2024, Expert-Reviewed
Nicole CarpenterPest Control Expert 
Specialty: Pest and insect controlExperience: 12 yearsNicole Carpenter is a fourth-generation entrepreneur, managing her family business Black Pest Prevention. The firm provides effective and affordable pest control services. Nicole has about ten years of experience in the control and prevention of ants, roaches, rodents, termites, and mosquitoes.
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sakshi john wedetso chirhah riya saini Riya did her graduation in English from the University of Delhi and post graduation in English from Indira Gandhi National Open University. She started her journey as a writer in 2020 and has written content for various technical, marketing and lifestyle websites.
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In This Article
Rats can be a nuisance in the home, causing damage and potentially spreading diseases. It’s important to take effective measures to prevent them from entering your home. While using the best rat poisons is one solution, you should exercise caution, especially if you have pets or children. Safer alternatives, such as traps or professional pest control services, should be considered first.
If you choose to use poison, ensure it’s done responsibly, such as baiting the rats by mixing the poison with food or using rat bait stations, and always follow safety guidelines to prevent accidental harm. In this post, we have compiled a list of highly-rated rat poisons, but we urge you to weigh all options carefully and prioritize safety.
Top Picks
Precautions To Take When Using Rat Poison
While handling rat poison, you need to take the following safety precautions.
- Wear rubber gloves.
- Wash your hands immediately after handling the poison.
- Store the rat poison in an airtight container away from the reach of pets and children.
- Read and follow all the instructions on the packaging before use.
- Remove all sources of food from the vicinity of the rat poison.
- Follow safety procedures while disposing of the dead rats.
- For indoor infestations, use non-toxic poisons if possible.
11 Best Rat Poisons To Buy
1. Best Long-Lasting:Rodent Sheriff Pest Control
Rodent Sheriff pest control spray contains natural peppermint oil and is a child- and pet-safe rat poison. The mint smell repels rodents, roaches, raccoons, and pests. With 1,000 sprays per one can, this long-lasting spray has a natural release formula that can slowly drain essence throughout the night. You can use the spray indoors, around entryways, attics, and kitchen trash cans. You can also use it near barbecues, grills, outdoor trash cans, and garage areas that attract rodents. To know more about the natural rat repellent, you can check out this YouTuber’s review where he tests the product to showcase its easy application.
Pros
- Safe to use around kids and pets
- Contains 1000 sprays
- Safe to spray indoors and in the garden
- Herbal mint fragrance
- Slow release essence
Cons
- Fine mist may blow away
- Rats may get used to the smell over time
"This spray works pretty well for deterring pests from my car with its strong peppermint scent. While its repellent potency is notable, it doesn't work as a foolproof solution to keep rodent infestation at bay. However, it is a reliable temporary solution."
2. Best Weather-Resistant:Neogen Ramik Green Rodenticide Nuggets
Neogen Ramik nuggets are made from the first generation anticoagulant dichlorvos and emit a fish smell to attract rats. It is lethal for rats, meadow voles, mice, and other rodents, and death occurs within four to five days of consumption.
The advanced food processing technology is used to formulate these nuggets with fish-flavored grain mixtures without wax to have a lasting freshness and maintain efficacy. The bait should not be placed where pets and children can easily reach it.
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Fish-flavored
- Can be used in damp areas
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Wax-free formula
Cons
- Can be harmful to pets and children
"After weeks of use, the critters have finally stopped coming into the garage. This formula works slowly but effectively, and it has a potent scent that attracts pet dogs too, so be careful if you have pets. In sum, it is quite effective if used with caution."
Quick fact3. Best To Kill Small Rats:JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide
The anticoagulant block bait from JT Eaton is made with peanut butter flavor and can attract rats and other rodents. The diphacinone in the block will effectively eliminate small rodents after a few days of ingestion. Block bait is suitable for garages, attics, farms, and commercial buildings with rat infestation. These rat poison blocks are harmful for pets and children, so they should be put out of their reach and away from food to avoid contamination. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out this product review on YouTube.
Pros
- Peanut butter-flavored bait
- Anticoagulant function
- Effective in killing small rats
- One-year warranty
Cons
- May not be suitable for all-weather conditions
- Can be harmful to pets and children
"This bait helped me tackle pest infestation in my shop and offered substantial results with a bit of patience. I found strategic placement to be the key to getting the best results. Plus, it comes in ample quantity, which is a plus."
Rodent Sheriff Pest Control Best Long-Lasting | Neogen Ramik Green Rodenticide Nuggets Best Weather-Resistant | JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide Best To Kill Small Rats | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 x 4.25 x 3.5 inches | 20 x 10 x 11 inches. | 11 x 11 x 10 inches. |
| Weight | 1.48 Pounds | - | - |
| Weight | - | 1.91 pounds | 1 ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 22,368 | 10,985 | 6,275 |
| Price | $34.99 | $65.56 | $37.99 |
4. Best Eco-Friendly: MouseX EcoClear Products RatX
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 6,743 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
The non-toxic formula of the Eco Clear Products RatX makes it safe to use around pets and children. It is formulated with natural products and has specific active ingredients for rats and mice. They line the stomach to block neural transmissions to and from the brain. This will cause the rats to stop drinking and eating, leading to dehydration and starvation in a few days.
The rat poison pellets are eco-friendly and biodegradable. They disintegrate when wet and do not pose a long-term threat to wildlife. The product is a trusted choice for indoor and outdoor use and can be placed in areas infested by rodents.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Enables eco-friendly rodent control
- Biodegradable
- Effectively works in a single feed
- Child and pet-safe
Cons
- May not be flavored to attract the rodents
"I like how this rat treatment is pet-friendly. This product offered effective results; however, clearing the dead rodents from the house was pretty distressing. Overall, it fulfills its intended purpose."
5. Best Compact Design:D-Con Corner Fit Mouse Poison Bait Station
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 4,008 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
D-Con’s tamper-proof bait stations have a compact design that allows them to be placed in places frequented by rats and mice. It is made of durable materials and is waterproof and can be used indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. It is designed to attract mice into the station, eat the bait, and leave before the rats die.
The bait does not contain anticoagulants and is safe to use around children and pets. It takes three days to take effect. The tried-and-tested mouse killer is ideal for kitchens, attics, sheds, and basements, equipped with 20-bait refills, reused, and refilled.
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Safe for children and pets
- Compact design
- Reusable
- Tamper-resistant design
- 20 bait refills
Cons
- Bait crumbles easily
"This rodent bait worked well to keep my house pest-free! I especially like the plastic container, which prevents other animals from reaching for the bait. Their potency seems to have reduced now, but their performance is still evident through the quiet nights."
6. Best For Indoor And Outdoor Use:Neogen Havoc Rodenticide Bait Pack Pellets
The ready-to-use Neogen Havoc bait pellets are available in 40 convenient packs, and because the rodents can chew the plastic packaging, they can be placed without opening. Havoc products use powerful anticoagulant rodenticide Brodifacoum combined with palatable ingredients to attract the rats.
Only a single lethal dose is needed for immediate results. Dehydration caused by poison eliminates the smell of rodent decomposition in the house. This user-tested bait is weather-resistant and can be used outdoors and indoors, all year round. Be cautious when placing bait as it is harmful to children and pets.
Pros
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Eliminates decomposition odors
- Immediate action
- Weather-resistant
- 40 packs
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Bait trays not included
Caution7. Best Moisture-Resistant:Harris Dry-Up Mouse and Rat Killer Bait Bars
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 759 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
If you’re struggling with frequent rat issues at your home or office, the Harris rat killer might be the best solution, which contains a bait that rats and mice find difficult to resist. Dry-Up mouse and rat killer bars are combined with anticoagulant diphacione to induce rats to eat, and it takes effect within three to four days to kill the rats. Mildew- and moisture-resistant, they can be used in all weather conditions and, thus, are the ideal rat poison option for outdoor and indoor use.
The package includes four bars that can be placed in multiple areas infested by rats and mice. This kind of bait is not safe for children and pets and may cause secondary poisoning, so take the required safety precautions and be careful when placing it.
Pros
- Mold-resistant
- Flavored bait
- Suitable for wet and dry areas
Cons
- Can be harmful to children and pets
"The rodent poison successfully cleared mice and rats from my place—providing quieter nights and a safer home. It is a bit difficult to break the bait into pieces, but they serve their intended purpose without having to deal with decaying rodent smell."
8. Best Child-Resistant Design:Victor Refillable Rat Poison Bait Station
The dual-entry tunnel design and transparent plastic casing of the Victor refillable rat bait station encourage rodents to enter the station to eat the bait. The bait is formulated with non-anticoagulant bromethalin and high-quality mouse poison ingredients. The unique child-proof design ensures that kids cannot touch the bait block, making it one of the most premium products. The sliding cover facilitates refilling, while the gloves help to place the bait safely.
Pros
- High-quality bait formula
- Child-resistant design
- Refillable and reusable
- Dual-entry design
- Eight bait refills
Cons
- May not be suitable for outdoor use
"This bait station made pest control significantly more manageable for me. Applying it was a bit of a hassle, but it delivered satisfactory results in ridding my home of unwanted pests. It's not a pet-safe option, but it works great with some patience and caution."
9. Best Biodegradable:EcoClear Products RatX Ready-To-Use Bait Trays
The EcoClear RatX bait trays are made of non-toxic materials and are equipped with pre-measured bait parts, making them convenient and easy to use. The high-quality bait is only harmful for rats and mice, so it can be used safely around pets and children and does not require special storage or handling.
Only one lethal dose is needed to line the stomach and inhibit neural transmissions from the gut to the brain, causing the rats to stop drinking and eating. Place food-filled trays in barns, industrial buildings, and homes to attract rodents.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Non-toxic
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Safe for pets, people, and livestock
- Pre-measured bait
- Easy to use
- Reduces decomposition odor
Cons
- May not kill voles, moles, and gophers
"I have been using this rodent bait in my yard for a while now, and I haven't noticed any new unwanted guests in a week. While this is no magic solution for pest infestation, it eventually lessens rodent activity."
10. Best Reusable:Tomcat Mouse Killer Refillable Station
The Tomcat refillable rat bait station has a long entrance design that allows only rats and mice to enter. The tamper-proof design makes it safe and reliable to use around children and pets. Its high-quality weather-resistant material ensures durability and can be used outdoors all year round.
Each bait block can kill up to 12 mice because it does not need to be refilled frequently, so it is easy to use. Besides, it also has a transparent lid that can be used to monitor the bait. The bait contains non-anticoagulant bromethalin, which can effectively eliminate small rodents.
Pros
- Weather resistant
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Tamper resistant
- Reusable
- Compact
- 16 bait blocks
Cons
- May not be effective in killing Norway rats
"I've been using this rodent bait in various spots in and around my home, especially the attic and the basement, and its effectiveness is still notable. Along with patience, a few tricks help to get the best out of this product—like placing the bait away from water."
11. Best To Kill Small Rats:JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide
JT Eaton bait blocks contain a palatable apple flavor that attracts rodents. Every block has a lethal dose of diphacinone, a first-generation anticoagulant, and takes only a few days to affect. This single-feeding bait is available in 144 one-ounce tamper-proof resealable drums, placed in areas where rodent activity is evident. This kind of bait is harmful to pets and children, so be careful when placing it.
Pros
- Apple-flavored bait
- Anticoagulant function
- Effective in killing small rats
- One-year warranty
Cons
- May not be suitable for all weather conditions
"This product has become a staple for keeping my home rodent-free. Thanks to its long shelf life, it lasts me for over a year and works with the same effectiveness with each use. While not a permanent solution, it is a reliable ally in routine pest control."
How To Choose The Right Rat Poison?
Since there are different types of rat poisons available, it is essential to consider the following factors before choosing the best one.
- Time required for action: Poisons are classified into slow-acting and fast-acting. Quick-acting poisons kill the rat almost immediately while slow-acting poisons take several days to take effect.
- Poison type: Different types of poison, including anticoagulants, acute toxins, and calcium releasing agents, are used in bait. Anticoagulants are the most lethal because they inhibit blood clotting, which can cause internal bleeding and death.
- Dosage: The dosage depends on when the poison takes effect. Fast-acting poison requires only a small dose, while other poisons require repeated doses over a day.
- Toxicity: All poisons are toxic, but according to their effects on humans and other animals, they are classified as toxic or non-toxic. If you need to use them around children and pets, choose non-toxic ones. Check the active ingredients used in the poison to learn more.
- User-friendly: It is recommended to purchase products and bait stations that are easy to use and operate. The easy-to-fill and clean stations are convenient for long-term use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does rat bait take to work?
Rat baits may take 24 to 48 hours to work.
2. How long do poisons take to kill rats?
Rats don’t die immediately after ingesting poison. They may take anywhere between one and ten days to get killed.
3. How do I know if I have a rat infestation in my home?
Common signs of a rat infestation include rat droppings, visible rat holes, scratch marks, noises such as scratching or squeaking, a strong urine odor typical of rodents, and evidence of nesting materials like shredded paper or fabric.
4. What should I do if my pet eats rat poison?
If your pets accidentally ingest rat poison, it may put their life under a risk. You may notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Therefore, immediately consult a veterinarian to eliminate the poison from pets.
The Bottom Line
Rats are not only annoying creatures to have around the house, but they also carry numerous diseases, including hantavirus, salmonella, and rat-bite fever. Thus, you need the best rat poisons and time-tested rodent extermination methods to permanently get rid of them from your house. You may choose rat poisons that are quick-acting and easy to use, such as the Rodent Sheriff Pest Control. At the same time, the Neogen Ramik Green Rodenticide Nuggets that attract rodents and the pet-friendly MouseX EcoClear Products RatX could also be a good choice. When using rat poison, ensure you exercise caution, especially with children and pets around the house. Also, wear rubber gloves when handling them and wash your hands immediately.
Infographic: How To Keep Pests Away From Home?
Pests, including rats and cockroaches, can destroy your belongings and turn the home into a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria and viruses, making it essential to keep them at bay. However, rats can be difficult to manage. Read the infographic to learn how to keep them away from your homes.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
References
- Rodenticides.
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/rodenticides.html
Why Trust MomJunction?
We understand the concerns of people when rats infest their houses. So, Based on hundreds of product reviews available on multiple trusted websites and online platforms, we have prepared a list of the best mouse and rat poisons considering their efficiency and safety. Also, we have highlighted the pros and cons of each product on the list and included a buying guide that can help you shortlist the rat control products effortlessly. There are some safety tips as well, to ensure your family’s safety.
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