Safety tips for Ranchers Using Rodenticides
Information for this article was prepared by Stephen Vantassel (Vertebrate Pest Specialist for the Montana Department of Agriculture). Rodenticides must be used properly to prevent needless death or injury to people and non-target animals. Fortunately, following a few simple precautions will prevent most potential accidents.
• Do not stockpile rodenticides. Restrict purchases to those needed to fulfill seasonal needs. While rodenticides do not usually weaken during storage, grain baits, for example, may dehydrate and become stale, thereby reducing their acceptability to rodents.
• Store rodenticides in a locked, weather-tight, rodent proof area. Secure storage of rodenticides protects bait from accidental consumption by children and pets as well as contamination from other chemicals that may reduce bait acceptance. Bait that becomes wet may be reduced in strength or become moldy, resulting in reduced effectiveness or poor acceptance.
• Keep rodenticides in their original, labeled containers as grain baits and grain-based pellets can easily be confused with livestock feed.
• Read and review rodenticide labels before use each season. Check for changes in use recommendations and use restrictions.
• Apply baits with designated calibrated dispensers to ensure that the label requirements are followed. Do not use pesticide dispensers for other tasks.
• Do not over apply. Over-application only increases costs, residual pesticide levels, and hazards to non-target animals, and is unlawful.
• Ground squirrels and prairie dogs are surface foragers and not accustomed to finding food in piles. Avoid piling of bait as piles increase hazard to livestock and non-target wildlife. When applying surface bait, scatter the bait over a square foot area near each active burrow. Place bait on hard, bare ground or areas with short, sparse vegetation. Avoid scattering bait in areas of dense grass as ground squirrels and prairie dogs will usually not find it. Do not apply bait on soft mound dirt as this usually results in the bait being soiled or buried rather than consumed.
• When applying bait, keep excess bait in locked or latched storage. Use canvas bags that can be zippered or tied shut when not in use. Dispose of poisoned rodent carcasses to reduce risks to predators and scavengers.
• Bury carcasses individually in burrows to prevent concentration of poisoned carcasses. Use gloves and a shovel to avoid contact with external parasites, such as fleas, that may transmit diseases to humans.
• Notify nearby neighbors of your bait application. Suggest confinement of dogs, cats or other animals for a period of time after bait application. Use five days for zinc phosphide and strychnine-based products and 14 days for anticoagulants unless the label directs otherwise.
• Destroy or recycle empty bait containers. Do not reuse for other purposes.
• Change clothes following a pesticide application and wash separately from other laundry. Shower and put on clean clothes before performing other activities.
Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach
