So, suddenly, the rat poison you put in your Rhino shelter is disappearing. You keep seeing some missing and sometimes a sick rat crawling around. Well, there are many reasons rat poison keeps disappearing. It can be so serious that even if you go through the box every night, you will keep seeing missing rat poison. They are all gone but how and why? This can gradually become very expensive since you have to replace the missing rat poison. In this post, you will find out why rat poison keeps disappearing.
Rat Poison Keeps Disappearing
Other Pests Are Stealing the Poison
Insects such as slugs, crickets, ants, and cockroaches can eat rat poison. They can often avoid setting off traps and escape from non-sticky ones. Some, including crickets, ants, and slugs, may leave a slimy trail on the trap or trigger.
Sometimes, small animals like squirrels and opossums can snatch food from mouse traps or glue boards without getting caught. Even bigger animals like rabbits and deer might take the bait if it’s easy for them to get to and they find it tasty, like stuff from a garden.
Make sure to double-check the clues to make sure it’s not another pest such as crickets or cockroaches, whose droppings look like mouse droppings. If you’re not catching any rats or seeing signs of pests, it might be a good time to stop setting traps and putting out bait. Once you have removed the rat poison, consider calling an exterminator. They will inspect the area, check for any signs of an infestation, and recommend the best way to deal with pests.
Rats Are Stealing the Poison
Rats may be able to grab food from traps and even glue boards especially if you used a trap designed for mice. Mice are smaller rodents, so their traps can easily be rampaged by rats. Rats may be attracted to the poison and will take it back to their nests to consume. This is a good sign as it indicates that the poison is working.
Someone or Your Pet Removed the Rat Poison
In some cases, people or even pets may be removing the rat poison. It could be because they are concerned about its effects on non-target animals or for other reasons. If you suspect this is happening, you may want to speak to your neighbors or consider using a different method of rat control. Also, even pets, including cats and dogs, may remove the poison.
Your rat poison keeps disappearing because it is exposed to the sight of your pet. The solution is to keep it hidden. You can store it in a rodent bait station. Also, if you suspect that your pet has consumed rat poison, make sure to see the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your Environment is to Blame
It is possible that environmental factors, such as rain or wind, can be the reason for rat poison disappearing. Ensure the poison is placed in a sheltered location where it won’t be affected by the weather.
Tips to Keep Rat Poison from Disappearing
If rat poison keeps disappearing, then do the following to stop them from stealing the poison next time.
- Use bait stations, which are enclosed containers, to hold the rat poison securely inside. This will prevent rats or any other pest from carrying it away. When rats enter the station and consume the poison, they can’t leave.
- If you are not using bait stations, make sure the poison is secured in place. Some poisons come with a hole in the center that allows you to tie it down.
- Follow the instructions on the poison packaging to ensure you are using the correct amount. Using too much can lead to waste and increase the risk of non-target animals coming into contact with the poison.
- Regularly monitor the area where you have placed the poison to see if it is being taken. This will help you determine if the poison is effective and if you need to make any adjustments.
- Make sure to prevent pets and wildlife from coming into contact with the poison. This may include placing the poison in areas that are not accessible to non-target animals or using pet-safe alternatives.
You can always consider using alternative methods of rat control. Alternative methods include traps or natural repellents if you are concerned about the risks associated with poison.
Read also: Homemade Rat Poison Bleach [How it Works]
