The Risks of DIY Rodent Control
Pest Experts Matthew Hess and Michael Sizemore
04/15/2025
In the pursuit of a pest-free home, many homeowners turn to over-the-counter rodenticides for quick relief from rodent infestations. However, the improper handling and application of these chemicals come with hidden dangers and can pose significant health risks not only to the user but also to their families, pets, and the environment. Understanding these risks is crucial for anyone considering a DIY pest control approach.
Although we have recently covered this topic, we feel it is urgent to diligently inform the public to help prevent accidental contact with rodenticides, especially among young children and pets.
Toxicity Exposure
Rodenticides contain potent active ingredients designed to kill rodents, but they can also be hazardous to humans if mishandled. Users may inadvertently ingest or come into contact with these toxic compounds while mixing, placing, or disposing of bait. Accidental exposure can also occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact to any person who might purposefully or inadvertently come in contact with the bait.
Symptoms of rodenticide poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, respiratory distress, internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). The risk is especially high for children and pets, who may come into contact with or ingest bait.
1-877-999-2849
Environmental Impact
Improper disposal of rodenticides can lead to environmental contamination. Bait discarded inappropriately can leach into soil and waterways, affecting wildlife and non-target species, including pets and beneficial insects. The toxic compounds can accumulate in the food chain, leading to broader ecological repercussions.
Untrained and inexperienced DIYers may not know or understand how to properly discard spent bait and therefore could jeopardize the environment and put people and animals at risk of exposure.
Resistance Development
Frequent improper use of rodenticides can contribute to the development of resistance among rodent populations. This means rodents may develop resistance to certain active ingredients and certain percentages, making the use of stronger rodenticides necessary. In turn, this can negatively impact the environment in two ways:
- People, animals, and the general environment may be exposed to higher or more frequent dosages of rodenticides to counter the resistance.
- Rodent populations that become resistant to certain rodenticides may “boom” causing an ecological imbalance.
Managing the development of resistance among baited rodents is part of the training, daily work life, and greater duty of a pest management professional.
Lack of Professional Guidance
DIY rodenticide application often lacks the professional training and/or guidance necessary for safe and effective handling and application. Homeowners may miscalculate dosages, improperly position bait stations, incorrectly load bait stations, use the wrong type of rodenticide, or even place bait in areas accessible to children and animals, thereby increasing the likelihood of exposure and reducing the efficacy of the treatment. Without a comprehensive understanding of the product and its risks, the chances of accidents rise significantly.
1-877-999-2849
Psychological Effects
There is a certain amount of stress and anxiety that can accompany rodent infestations that may also be compounded by the potential dangers of DIY pest control methods. Homeowners might worry about the health risks to their families and pets, leading to increased tension within the household. This tension is not unwarranted and should not be overlooked. Hiring professional pest management mitigates these risks by permitting a trained, qualified, and adept individual or individuals to protect your home or other assets from rodent infestations without putting you, those you love, your pets, wildlife, or the environment at risk.
What Four Seasons Pest Solutions Can Do For You
While the DIY approach to rodent control may seem appealing, the mishandling of rodenticides can have serious repercussions for human health and safety and the environment. Homeowners should carefully consider these risks and, when possible, consult with your friendly pest control professionals at Four Seasons Pest Solutions, who can provide safe and effective solutions for rodent management, like our ZeRo program or other effective rodent programs! Prioritizing safety is essential for maintaining a healthy home environment, and Four Seasons is dedicated to providing a pest-free quality of life without sacrificing the health and safety of humans.
Four Seasons Pest Solutions
Four Seasons Pest Solutions, Inc.