Dangers of Rat poison; Pets and Wildlife at Risk!!

An important New Year’s Resolution for Wildlife: DO NOT USE RAT POISON!

  Rodenticide poison is a very cruel, inhumane way to handle rodent problems. The poison inhibits the body’s ability to clot blood, so animals slowly bleed to death. It is a slow and painful death! Rodenticide poisoning is very dangerous for Wildlife and Domestic animals alike. Dogs and Cats find rat poison very palatable, so if they find it and ingest it, they too will become poisoned. Wildlife, namely Raptors and predatory mammals such as Fox, eat rodents that have ingested the poison, and they in turn, also become affected. There is treatment available to counteract the poison, but it does not always work. We have seen many animals succumb to rodenticide poisoning, it is both heartbreaking and PREVENTABLE!

There are some ways to aid in reducing rodent numbers that do not involve poisoning. First off, make sure that all entries into your home are sealed, to prevent wildlife from entering. It is important to make sure wildlife isn't currently living in these spaces, before they are sealed off. TIP: place a dusting of flour or corn starch outside spaces and watch for animal tracks. If tracks are present around the space, likely they are still going in and out of the location. In addition, keep garbage cans closed outside and don’t leave food out for outside pets or wildlife; this will attract rodents. Another suggestion is to install an Owl box on your property. This works best in more rural areas, and attracts Barn Owls to your property. They will use the box to roost at night and to raise their young, and LOVE all the rodents they will get to eat, as this is their main diet. Please contact us if you are interested in installing an Owl Box sbcadmin@napawildliferescue.org   Lastly, if you must kill the rodents, snap traps are a last resort, and offer a quick death. They do not come without risks; they can also injury or kill other wildlife species so they need to be used carefully.

There is a wonderful developing business that is stemming from wildlife rehabilitation: Humane Exclusion Service. This service sends experts out to your home, to humanely exclude any wildlife that may be trying to take up residence in your home. They first inspect to find out what type of animal is entering the home (rodents, squirrels, raccoons, etc...) then provide a one way exit, so when the animals leave the space, they cannot re-enter. They also repair and seal any holes to prevent re-entry, as well as leave predatory scents around the home to encourage wildlife to take residence up somewhere else. Two of our rehabbers, Chad and Angela, own and operate “Wildlife Out” located in Napa County. This business is not affiliated with WRCNC, but provides a great service to those dealing with nuisance wildlife. Check out their website if you need help with wildlife in your home: wildlifeout.net.

In short, say NO to rodenticide poisoning; your pets, wildlife and environment will THANK YOU!!!