There’s something about a rodent crawling through our homes that stimulates the brain’s most dormant sense of rage, bringing out a primordial response of bloodlust for an invader. Perhaps it’s their beady little eyes staring beyond our bodies and through to our souls, as if to say “I’ve over-taken your personal domain, what are you going to do about it?”
You begin questioning living alongside those abominable creatures and play out every frightening scenario in your head: discovering a mouse under your bed’s comforter, droppings in your sock drawer, stepping on a mouse as you walk to bed at night or mysteriously half-eaten cookie boxes in your pantry (on second thought that could just be your kids).
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You come to realize that you’re smarter than those pea-brained fur balls and purchase the strongest pesticide packets you can buy. “Those idiots will eat anything!” you think to yourself, scattering the compact amalgamation of chemicals throughout your home. Problem solved. Mission accomplished. Hasta la vista!
WRONG
The most popular rodenticides are “anticoagulants,” which suppress necessary vitamin production needed for blood clotting; specifically, Vitamin K. These are incredibly effective in eliminating small-scale infestations, which is why pest management professionals administer them when necessary. However, Vitamin K is a natural component of mammalian body composition, and improper utilization of any rodenticide could have unintended consequences. Problems could range from ineffectiveness to putting your pets or family at risk. In today’s segment, we discuss the problems stemming from applying your own rodenticide and why it’s always preferable to consult a professional.
Rodent behavior:
Do you know where the rodents are coming into your home? Do you know what paths they are taking to maneuver your basement? What are they eating? Where are they nesting? These are questions that need to be answered to treat effectively. For example, if you don’t know where the rodents are entering your home, you will have a never ending stream of mice. You can fill your entire basement with rodenticides, but if there is a structural condition that is allowing rodents in, you will never control your problem. If you have mice living on crumbs from your children’s favorite cereal and you introduce a new food in the form of a rodenticide, by all means, they may test it out, but if they prefer those sweet frosted oats, you’re not going to find success if you are exclusively using rodenticides.
Rodenticide placement:
For many people self-treating with rodenticides, or any pesticide for that matter, a common belief is that more is always better. If one rodenticide packet kills a mouse in three days, three rodenticide packets will kill the mouse in one, right? Wrong! Understanding rodent behaviors and how rodenticides work allow a pest management provider to effectively eliminate a population, while exposing you, your family and the environment to as few chemicals as possible. In addition, some rodents have developed immunity to certain chemical compounds, so if you rely on only one method for controlling your pest issue, you may not solve the whole problem.
Risk to non-target mammals:
We’ve already shared that rodenticides are anticoagulants, but did you know that, when consumed in large enough doses, they have the same effect on every mammal? That means that your curious puppy or mobile toddler could be at risk if you mismanage the use of rodenticides in your home. Due to the size of a mouse compared to the size of your pets or children, they would need to consume an inordinate amount to see ill-effects, but the risk is still there. That is why more isn’t always better, placement is crucial and why a certified commercial pest control company will anchor bait in tamper-resistant stations. Professional bait stations prevent access to rodenticides by pets, other non-target animals and small children. Self-treating usually means a cardboard box, open tray or maybe a small plastic station that can be eaten in its entirety by a larger dog. The risk is not worth the reward in a case like this, which is why you should rely on the professional opinion of a licensed and certified pest control company.
Rodenticides are a crucial element to an efficient and all-encompassing pest management strategy, providing countless benefits in eliminating target pests in residential and commercial settings. However, you shouldn’t apply your own rodenticide without first consulting a professional. While this blog touches on a few key topics of mismanaged rodenticide application, there are many other elements that you may not consider when spreading these poisons throughout your home.
Contact us today and remove any doubt about the success of your home’s pest control program.