Rodent control and poison safety tips for home infestations

As cooler weather approaches, rodents often seek shelter in homes, leading to increased use of rodenticides. The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) reported approximately 300 rodenticide exposures in 2024, noting that more than half of these cases involved children under the age of five. Common types of exposure include long-acting anticoagulant rodenticides (LAARs), bromethalin, cholecalciferol, and zinc phosphide.

To mitigate risks, specialists recommend using tamper-resistant bait stations to protect children and pets. Long-acting anticoagulants, sometimes referred to as ‘superwarfarins,’ can cause serious internal bleeding in humans and pets if ingested in large amounts.

Effective rodent management focuses on exclusion and removing attractants. Rodents are drawn to homes by easy access to food, water, and shelter. Common attractants include unsecured garbage, pet food, birdseed, leaking outdoor faucets, and gaps in a building's foundation. Preventing infestations involves sealing entry points and managing environmental factors like compost piles and standing water.