Andy Woolworth: Hi! I'm Andy Woolworth with Victor. Today I'm discussing the different types of poisons and how to use them effectively.

Rodent baits, also know as Rodenticides offer an economical and efficient approach for eliminating rodent populations. Pellet baits provide the rodent with a small food particle it can readily pick up and handle, similar to a rodent holding a seed or a nut. Pellets are also packaged into place packs, which deliver baits into hard-to-reach locations in small, sealed paper packets. Bait packets keep rodenticide fresh and facilitate convenient, quick, no-touch placement of bait, because rodents must not enter the packet to get into the bait. They also provide a means by which to confirm rodent activity.

Pellet baits and place packs are prone to being carried away and stored by the rodent in many different locations. For this reason, the baits can become available to non target animals or children. Pellets can be applied directly into rodent harborage such as the direct baiting of rat burrows to reduce bait being picked up and moved. Block bait formulations offer versatility and convenience for rodent infestations in any location since they could be used indoors and outdoors.

Block baits are made in the form of extruded blocks similar to the method that is used for making dry dog foods. The blocks are extruded in a unique shape designed to provide an attractive gnawing item for rodents. Typically block baits are used in bait stations or nailed down to any surface to prevent rodents from moving it from one location to another. The rodent's inability to move block bait provides a good way to monitor activity by observing if the bait has been gnawed or if it is still intact.

In most cases, it makes little sense to evenly space baits around the parameter of your room if most of the rodent infestation is concentrated in only one or two areas. In those areas of high rodent activity, space the bait placements as close together as label instructions it will permit.

When rodenticides are used according to the label directions, it present little hazard to non-target animals. Still it is important to keep in mind that rodenticides have the potential to seriously harm people, dogs, cats, and various wildlife, if misused.

Every effort should be made to analyze situations where children, pets, or wildlife maybe at risk, and take extra precautions to ensure against accidental poisonings.

Another thing to keep in mind is that poisoned rodents may die anywhere, including in some very inconvenient areas. Most times however, poisoned rodents succumb in their nests.

So that is how to properly use poison to control rodents in your home.