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Rodenticide Used: Bromadiolone

• Registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and recommended for use in alleys for roof rats.
• Newer class of anti-coagulant with extremely low level of active ingredient.
• Anti-coagulant reduces the ability of blood to clot so that the rat bleeds internally and dies (usually within three to five days).
• Each station will have eight ounces of bait (four two-ounce blocks), consisting of .005% rodenticide and 99.95% food substances like grain and flavoring.

Bromadiolone Toxicity Levels:

• LD50>5000mg/kg. LD50 means 50% mortality rate when eating 5000mg/kg. The lower the LD50, the higher the toxicity.
• Compared to Nicotine: LD50=53; Caffeine: LD50=192; Aspirin: LD50=1240; Table Salt: LD50=3320.
• A 22-pound dog would have to eat nine pounds of bait (the full contents of 18 bait stations) to have a 50% mortality rate without treatment.
• A four-pound cat would have to eat 2.5 pounds (the full contents of five bait stations) to have a 50% mortality rate without treatment.
• Vitamin K1 is an effective antidote for anticoagulant poisoning.
• Secondary effects: A cat would have to eat more than 30 poisoned rats to have a toxic effect.

Over the Counter Bait

"Just One Bite" or any anti-coagulant containing the active ingredient "bromadiolone" can be purchased at any local hardware/feed store.

To help control the roof rat population, roof rat bait stations are recommended for residents who have lush landscapes, unpicked citrus, pecan trees, figs, date palms, pomegranates, apples, peaches, apricots, as well as any human or animal food sources located outdoors. Roof rats are attracted to these areas because of water, food and/or shelter.

Bait stations can come in all sizes and shapes and can be made as simply or complex as a resident sees fit. Bait stations can be made out shoe boxes, wood and PVC tube to name a few. Examples of bait stations and how to make them can be found by visiting www.roofrat.net.

It is recommended that if a resident decides to deploy a bait station on his/her property, he/she should be responsible for all baiting and maintenance of each bait station for the duration deployed. Residents are also fully responsible for purchasing and placing the proper poison in each bait station.

It is important that the resident’s home is properly sealed so a poisoned rat does not go enter the home and die. This can creat a bad odor that may be hard to access and/or remove.

Application - Home Proofing

Seal up house, attic and exterior walls. Any hole on the house exterior, which is the size of a nickel or larger, needs to be filled or covered with screen. All cracks should be caulked. The roof vents and attic turbines ventilators should be checked and screened. Fireplaces need to be protected with the proper screening of a chimney cap. Tile or shack roofs should be closely inspected. Pet doors, dryer vents, exterior door and window screens should be secured at night.

Installation

Bait stations can be placed in trees or on perimeter walls of property, where the roof rat is seeking food, water and shelter. Place rat entry point in upward position, the bait station is most effective from 4’ to 6’ above ground at no greater than a 25-degree angle. Install unit where it is easy to inspect for any rodent activity. Use a metal strap to secure bait station to a tree or wall with screws or nails.

Baiting

Rodent bait containing the active ingredient “Bromadiolone” can be purchased at local hardware, home improvement or feed stores. Roof rats will enter the station as they pick up the scent of the bait. The bait station also serves as shelter for them. It is important to note that bait stations will not serve as a trap or a nesting site for the roof rat. The rat’s behavior is to eat and then leave the bait station altogether. The bait is a single kill poison and takes 3-5 days to kill the rodent. Dead rodents should be disposed of properly. Securely seal dead animal in a plastic bag and place in a trash container. Bait needs to be replaced every six months to keep it at a proper potency.

Monitoring

Bait stations should be checked once a week to determine if there has been any activity or if the bait needs to be replaced. It is best if you schedule the inspection the same time each week. Bait stations should be deployed and monitored year round.

• Use rubber gloves and dispose of rats in plastic garbage bags.
• In cases of emergency, call the local Poison Control Center at (602) 253-3334.
• Call the Maricopa County Citizen’s Environmental Complaint Line at (602) 506-6616 to report tampering of bait stations.

To learn how to make your own bait stations, or to purchase one at cost, visit www.roofrat.net