The 11 Best Rat Poisons In 2023
Rats are among the most destructive pests and have also been found to transmit different kinds of diseases. They are stubborn, intelligent, and opportunistic, so catching them may not be as easy.
However, they have one weakness, which you can use an advantage when handling infestations. Rats love to eat and can easily be poisoned through the food that they eat.
There are potent poisons that can assist you in killing rats and other rodents. If you are wondering which poison to go for, this review article provides you with the best rat poisons that will eradicate all the rats in your vicinity.
11 Best Rat Poisons
#1 Tomcat Bait Chunx
This rodenticide is packed with a powerful killer ingredient that will drop rats in two or more days, depending on the dose that the rats have consumed. The active ingredient in this poison is bromethalin, a potent neurotoxin that attacks the rat’s central nervous system. As a result, the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) will be inhibited, hence preventing the transfer of energy within the cells.
The rats will stop feeding after consuming the lethal dose, so you will only need a small amount of the poison to get the job done. Despite making up only 0.01% of the poisonous formula, the bromethalin in this product is reliable when it comes to killing rats. This rat poison can kill house mice, Norway rats, roof rats, etc. As a matter of fact, it can particularly help you when dealing with severe cases of rat infestation. This product comes in the form of bait chunx.
These chunks are conveniently shaped to attract the rats. On average, a single chunk can kill up to twelve rats. The blocks are made from different food-grade ingredients, which are known to attract rats. This way, the rats will smell the bait even before seeing it, thereby increasing the probability of more rats dying. It is recommended that you place the bait in a place that rats can easily access.
Pros
- The chunks have holes that you can use when setting the bait
- Contains denatonium benzoate
- Highly palatable
- Moisture resistant
Cons
- The kill is not instant
#2 JT Eaton 704-PN Bait Block Rodenticide
The JT Eaton 704-PN is a dependable poison that will help you eliminate rats and mice. This product comes in a large pail, which contains 64 blocks of the poisonous substance. Each block weighs only 1-ounce but can kill multiple rats. The blocks have a peanut flavor, so the rats will have no option but to come out from their hiding spots to eat the bait. Besides, the blocks have multiple edges that will appear appealing to rats. The desire to gnaw will drive them to their death.
This formula contains different inputs, but the active ingredient is diphacinone, an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the activation of Vitamin K in the blood. This process will interfere with the rat’s blood structure by preventing the production of clotting factors. As a result, the rat’s blood will become so thin, resulting in internal hemorrhaging, irregular heartbeats, muscular weakness, and other serious side effects that will eventually cause death.
The blocks are easy to place since they have holes that allow you to attach them to wires or nails. This product delivers good results when placed in areas with rat activity. As a reminder, always ensure that you have protective gear when using this poison. The main ingredient can be toxic when inhaled in excessive amounts and may also be absorbed through the skin. As such, try as much as you can not to come in direct contact with the poison.
Pros
- Entices the rats
- The pail is resealable
- Does what it promises
Cons
- May be affected by moisture
#3 Farnam Just One Bite II Bait Chunks
This formula can help you eradicate rats both indoors and outdoors. And the only thing that you need to do for it to work is to spot the placement areas that are infested. You can use a bait station or place the poisonous chunks near the burrows. The rats are likely to consume the bait to lethal levels within one night. The formula takes time to work its way through the rat’s system, so you can expect to find the first victims 4-5 days after consumption.
The formula is bromadiolone-based and it works as an antagonist against blood-clotting elements. This formula may not deliver instant results, but you can trust that the rats will die. When it is consumed to a lethal dose, nothing can save the rat. The poison will interfere with the biological functions of the rat, bringing about severe damage to some of the anatomical structures. One chunk of bait weighs 2-oz, and you can place 2-8 chunks in the target locations.
When dealing with active burrows, you can insert the chunks a couple of inches deep to increase the chances of rats consuming it. The mortality rate will depend on how much poison each rat has eaten and the time difference. As such, the rats that got to the bait first and ate a larger portion are likely to die fast. This poison may immobilize the rats, so the ones that have already eaten the bait will be unable to consume more.
Pros
- The product is S-methoprene treated to prevent insects from infesting the bait
- Bait blocks have center mounting holes
- Chunks are shaped to encourage gnawing
Cons
- Harmful to pets and humans
#4 Contrac Blox Rodent Control
You can use Contrac Blox as your contract rodent killer since it is formulated to kill both rats and mice. This product is made from food-grade ingredients, making it an excellent bait for rats and other rodents that may be disturbing your peace. Like all bromadiolone rat poisons, this formula has anticoagulant properties, which will render the rats helpless after consuming the bait chunks.
As a safety feature, the manufacturers have added denatonium benzoate, a chemical substance that is known for its bitter taste. The addition of this compound is meant to prevent humans and pets from consuming the poisonous bait blocks. The human tongue can detect denatonium benzoate even when there is only a small trace of the substance. This will lower the chances of children consuming the chunks accidentally. Still, you have to ensure that you set the bait in places that are out of reach for children.
This formula is effective in both dry and wet environments, so you can use it in a wide range of conditions. Moreover, the product comes in a large 18-pound pail, which is more than enough to control an infestation. The bait chunks can kill different types of rats, including warfarin-resistant Norway rats. It is advisable to wear protective gloves when handling the chunks.
Pros
- Bait chunks are weatherable
- A single feeding is all it takes to kill the rats
- Not as toxic on non-target animals
Cons
- The rats won’t die immediately
#5 Havoc Rodenticide Rat & Mouse Bait Pellet Pack
Rats won’t stand a chance against this rodenticide. As the name suggests, this poison will cause havoc to rats. This poison contains highly palatable grains that will deliver the active ingredient directly into the rat’s bloodstream. The formula uses brodifacoum as the active element and it makes up 0.005% of the formula. In as much as the values are in decimal, brodifacoum is a highly lethal compound that will wipe out the rats in just one feeding.
This formula can kill roof rats, mice, and Norway rats, so you can as well make this your all-time rat poison. The manufacturers have used oats as the base, thereby making this rodenticide more appealing to rats. Rats like the scent and the taste, so they will eat the poison to their fill. Since the product is packaged in the form of small pellets, some rats may even carry some of it to their burrows, thus poisoning the rats that may still be hiding.
The bitrex in this formula acts as the nontarget deterrent and will prevent accidental consumption. This rat poison is a second-generation anticoagulant, so you can expect that it will clear all the rats. The rats will die faster when they consume a large amount of poison. As such, you must see to it that you place the pellets in different locations to increase the possibility of more rats eating the poison.
Pros
- Available in different configurations
- Easy to use
- Superior acceptance by rodents
Cons
- It takes 4 to 5 days before the rats start dying
#6 Final Blocks Rodenticide
If you are having a rat problem, you can consider using this potent formula from Bell labs. When placed correctly, the poisonous bait blocks will leave no rat behind. The chunks are flavored, so the rats will have a good time feasting but what will follow will be a complete disaster on their side. The manufactures recommend that you place the chunks in areas that cannot be easily accessed by children and pets.
This is an all-weather formula that is also resistant to moisture. As such, the ingredients will remain active even when the bait is placed in humid places. With this rodenticide, you will have a better chance of killing mice and rats. The bucket contains approximately 400 chunks and each is large enough to take down several rats. A single rat cannot consume the whole block, so one application may just be enough when dealing with a small population of rats.
Rats have a very high response rate to the ingredients used in making this product, thus making it even more efficient. It can kill both small and large rats provided that the subject in question consumes the poison to its lethal limit. The holes on the chunks will give you an easy time when setting the baits. This will allow you to attach the chunks to bait stations or an object of your choosing.
Pros
- Mold resistant
- Can kill Norway rats
- The formula is good at luring rats
Cons
- Kills rats and mice slowly
#7 Talon G Mini Pellet Rodent Killer Bait
Talon G is a pelletized formulation that will assist you in killing different types of rodents such as house mice, roof rats, and Norway rats. This is a professional-grade rat killer that you can place outdoors and indoors. As such, it can help you when burrow baiting or when using bait stations. This rat poison has superior efficacy, so you can buy it knowing that it will wipe out all the rats that may be destroying your items.
The rats will be attracted to the pellets since they are made with ingredients that rats find appealing. This is why the poison has superior acceptance, which allows it to get as many victims as possible. It only takes a small dose to kill a rat, so you only have to ensure that you use the pellets as directed. A night’s feeding will yield results in four to five days. After that, you can expect to find more dead rats.
As an anticoagulant, the brodificoum in this formula will thin the victim’s blood completely, leading to major system failures in the rat’s body. You can kill even more rats by removing any extra food source that the rats may feed on. This way, they will have no option but to feed on the bait that you have placed on the target areas.
Pros
- Scientifically tested
- Broad use
- Powerful killing formula
Cons
- Not safe for pets
#8 Neogen Ramik Green Weather Resistant Rodenticide Nuggets
This Neogen product contains diphacinone, a compound that is well known when it comes to killing unwanted rodents. The bait comes in the shape of nuggets, which you can easily insert in suspected burrows or place in areas where the rats are likely to live. This product will not only kill rats and mice but will also eliminate other rodents such as meadow voles. The nuggets are packaged in a resealable bag that will keep the nuggets in the right condition when in storage.
Besides, the formula will work even when the pellets are exposed to damp conditions. In order to attract rodents, the manufacturers have used fish products to flavor the nuggets. This baiting technique will make the nuggets irresistible to the rats. Through this, the rats will eat the poison to the required level. The bag in which the nuggets are packed weighs 4lbs, thus giving you enough of the poison to handle several rats.
If you really want to keep your home free of rodents, this one of the baits that you can consider using. The nuggets can last for several days after setting the bait, so more rats will continue eating the poison. This product is specifically designed to kill rodents, but it can still affect other animals. As such, the application should be done in areas where pets and children are less likely to access.
Pros
- Can work indoors and outdoors
- Formulated with food-grade ingredients
- Ideal for wet conditions
Cons
- May be less effective when dealing with Norway rats
#9 D-Con Corner Fit Mouse Poison
When you buy this product, you will get 20 bait blocks and a bait station that will help you keep the bait blocks safe from elements. Additionally, this will lower the possibility of food contamination. Pets and children will also be safer since the poisonous chunks will be kept inside the bait station. More to this, the bait station is weather-proof, allowing you to set the bait outside. Plus, the bait station has two entry points, so the rat can come in from any side, feed, and come out through the other side.
You won’t have a hard time placing the blocks inside the bait station since it has a large window in which you can insert the chunks. What’s more, this product can be used in different areas around the house. As such, you can place the bait station in the garage, attic, basement, sheds, laundry rooms, etc. This poison can work on rats, mice, and other rodents that have a tendency of invading homes.
The rats will start dying by day three and soon there will be no more rats in your home. Using the bait blocks and the station requires no professional experience, thereby allowing you to set up the unit immediately after receiving the package. If you are having a serious rat infestation, you can consider buying more than one unit. This way, you will be able to place the baits in all the rooms for the maximum kill.
Pros
- Ideal for tight spaces
- The formula is safe for pets
- The bait station is tamper-resistant
Cons
- Only has 20 bait blocks compared to other brands, which offer more chunks and pellets
#10 Fasttrac Blox, Fastrac Rodenticide
If you are looking to take down a large population of rats, the 4-pound rodenticide from Fastrac will help you eliminate the stubborn rodents. The formulation is enriched with bromethalin, which will kill the rats in 1 or 2 days, depending on the rate of consumption, and when each rat ate the poison. As a result, not all rats will die within the mentioned time. Some of the rats may take longer to die simply because they ate the poison later.
The active ingredient is more than capable of killing rats, making this formula an excellent option for eradicating roof rats, mice, and other hard-to-kill rats such as the anticoagulant Norway rat. This rat poison is palatable, thus giving it its high absorption rate after the rat has consumed the base. In addition, the rats will not eat more poison once the lethal limit has been reached.
This will save you more money since you won’t have to buy rodenticides each time you want to kill some rats. The baits are shaped like blocks, so you will have an easy time with the handling. Nevertheless, you still have to wear a pair of gloves to avoid poisoning yourself in the process. Furthermore, the pail has additional precautionary measures that will help you in case you get exposed.
Pros
- All-weather formulation
- Moisture and moisture resistant
- Single feed bait
Cons
- Can harm humans and pets
#11 RatX All-Natural Non-Toxic Humane Rat and Mouse Killer Pellets
The all-natural formula by MouseX is non-toxic to all animals except rats and mice. As such, you can use this product without worrying about contaminating food or killing other animals such as birds or any other wildlife. The product is manufactured from food-grade cereals and vegetables, which will lure the rat to eat the bait. The RatX infused in the formula is what does the trick.
This compound can kill rats and mice due to the uniqueness of their digestive tract. What this formula does is that it coats the stomach lining, thus preventing neural transmissions from the sensory neurons in the stomach. Through this, the rat won’t know whether it’s thirsty or not. With time, the rat will suffer from dehydration, causing its blood to thicken.
Consequently, the rat will experience a complete circulatory collapse, hence causing organs such as the heart to fail. When the rat dies, it will most likely get mummified due to the reduced moisture content in the body. This will eliminate up to 90% of the bad odor that the carcass will produce.
Pros
- Kills rats humanely
- Biodegradable
- Safe for humans
Cons
- May not deliver results in wet conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do rat poisons take to take effect?
This will depend on the brand of poison that you are using and the species of rat being dealt with. Some rats may take longer, while others may die very fast in just 24 hours.
What compounds are in rat poison?
Apart from the food grade-ingredients, rat poisons contain different active ingredients, which may vary depending on the brand that you are using. Some of the commonly used active ingredients include diphenadione and brodifacoum.
Can rat poison kill pets?
Some rat poisons are highly lethal to pets while others are not.
Final Verdict
The rat poisons listed above are very effective against rats and mice, but they can also harm you or your pets.
As such, always ensure that you follow the necessary precautions to prevent unintended ingestion of the poisons. You can do this by wearing gloves and other protective gear that may prevent the poison from being absorbed through your skin.
The Team That Worked On This Review
Elena
Senior Editor
Eric
Web Researcher
Kathy
Writer
Albert
Writer
