Rodenticides are an effective tool in rodent control, but they must be used correctly, especially in homes with pets. One of the most common concerns homeowners have is secondary exposure. This refers to a pet ingesting a rodent that has consumed bait. Understanding the differences between first and second generation anticoagulant rodenticides helps put this risk into perspective. First generation anticoagulants require multiple feedings from a mouse to be lethal and generally carry a lower secondary exposure risk. Second generation anticoagulants are more potent and can be lethal to mice after a single feeding, which increases concern when misused. That said, professional placement and secure bait stations dramatically reduce risk. Modern baiting strategies focus on keeping bait inaccessible to non target animals in a tamper resistant bait station, while controlling rodent populations effectively. In many cases, secondary exposure risk is far lower than people expect when products are applied according to the label and paired with exclusion work. A small dog or a cat would have to eat many many mice that ingested an anti-coagulant rodenticide over a short period of time to have any effect. The reason for this is that anti-coagulants are just that; blood thinners. The dose of a blood thinner your grandparents might take is more then enough to kill a mouse.  The other advantage in the safety of using these baits is that their is an antidote for any first or second generation anti-coagulant it's vitamin K1. That all being said, a single block directly eaten by a 20 pound healthy dog is nowhere near enough to cause any damage.

The risks to wild life often occur when unlicensed professionals illegally use bait in a manner that far exceeds the labeled use(s). The biggest danger often comes from improper placement or homeowner applied bait without safeguards. Responsible rodent control balances effectiveness with safety. When done correctly, pets remain protected and rodent populations are brought under control without unnecessary risk.



Do you have a pest problem and live in or near Grafton, Saukville, West Bend, Germantown, Sheboygan, or Milwaukee? Call (262)-261-3925