The Hidden Dangers of DIY Rodent Control

Pest Expert Michael Sizemore
04/03/2025

Have you ever thought you smelled a dead mouse in your walls? Ever wonder why mice are eating certain foods from your pantry, or how to tell if you have mice? I bet you have, and you have probably searched for effective control and prevention measures, am I right? Of course I am!

Rodent infestations can be a nuisance and come with many health concerns, leading many homeowners to turn to do-it-yourself (DIY) rodent control methods, especially in the spring. While these approaches may seem convenient and cost-effective, they often come with serious negative consequences.

In today’s blog, we will explore the adverse effects of DIY rodent control, particularly focusing on the unintentional poisoning of wildlife, domestic animals, and even humans due to improper use of rodenticides.

For tips on preventing mice in the winter, how mice enter commercial spaces, or why mice may be avoiding your traps, click the links.

The Risks of Rodenticides

DIY rodent control frequently involves the use of over-the-counter rodenticides, which are chemical substances designed to kill rodents. Although they can be effective, they pose significant risks when used by untrained individuals. Of course for many people, the adverse effects of rodents on property and health often far outweigh the risks of using these rodenticides, and for good reason.

Although the need for rodenticide use is often higher than the risk, it is important to understand the risks so that we might make an educated decision on which route of control we will take.

According to the National Pesticide Information Retrieval System (NPIRS), improper application and lack of understanding of rodenticides (typically among DIY users) can lead to unintended consequences, which include:

  • Inadvertent Poisoning of Wildlife

Rodenticides are often highly toxic to non-target species. Using rodenticides in a manner inconsistent with their labeling can put these non-target species at serious risk. Chipmunks, gophers, skunks, squirrels, opossums, bobcats, canine species, and many more, may find this bait enticing, consume it, and become sick, or if enough is ingested, die. Such risks can prove detrimental to a local ecosystem and the population of many animal species. This can be prevented by utilizing licensed and trained pest control specialists like Four Seasons Pest Solutions, who have years of experience successfully eradicating rodent infestations.

  • Harm to Domestic Animals

Pets are also at risk when homeowners use rodenticides without proper precautions. Dogs and cats may inadvertently consume bait that has been improperly placed. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, rodenticides can lead to severe health issues in pets, including bleeding disorders and organ failure. For instance, the ingestion of anticoagulant rodenticides can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, coughing, and ultimately, death if not treated promptly. In 2019, the Pet Poison Helpline reported that rodenticide exposure was one of the top five causes of pet poisonings, highlighting the need for care in their use.

  • Human Health Risks

The threat of rodenticide poisoning extends to humans, especially young children, who may accidentally ingest these substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of non-fatal poisonings occur each year due to rodenticide exposure. Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal distress to severe neurological effects. It is important to note that many rodenticides are designed to be palatable, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion among children.

  • Environmental Impact

The widespread misuse of rodenticides can lead to long-term environmental issues. Chemicals can leach into the soil and water systems, harming beneficial organisms and disrupting local ecosystems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised concerns about the environmental impacts of rodenticides, especially in areas with high biodiversity. Some rodenticide formulations can be persistent in the environment, leading to chronic exposure in wildlife and domestic animals over time. This stems completely from the misuse of rodenticides, primarily by untrained individuals and homeowners using DIY rodenticides.

The Four Seasons Pest Solutions Recommendation   

While DIY rodent control may seem like an inexpensive and appealing option, the potential negative impacts far outweigh the benefits. The inadvertent poisoning of wildlife, domestic animals, and humans due to untrained application of rodenticides poses a severe risk to health and the environment. We encourage homeowners to seek professional help from one of our certified service specialists when struggling with a rodent infestation. Here at Four Seasons Pest Solutions our certified and well-trained specialists adhere to safety regulations and implement the gold standard for rodent management. We even offer effective rodent prevention measures for your home or business, including rodent exclusion and sanitation measures.

All our bait placements are made utilizing tamper-resistant bait stations that promote health and safety in the environment by protecting wildlife, domestic animals, and humans from the dangers associated with misused rodent baits. When it comes to using rodenticides safely, our staff know what to use, how to use it, when to use it, where to use it, and how to ensure that the environmental impact is minimal, if not altogether absent.

By prioritizing safe and responsible methods of rodent control, we can protect our families, pets, and the environment from the unintended consequences of DIY solutions. Give our knowledgeable staff a call and find out why everybody says, “It’s good to have Four Seasons on your side!”

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Retrieval System (NPIRS)
  2. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (Journal)
  3. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
  4. Pet Poison Helpline
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)