Rat poison helps control rat and mouse populations, but is also toxic to pets and humans. Rat poison, also known as rodenticide, kills rats by causing the blood vessels to burst, causing the rats to bleed to death internally. Death does not occur immediately, but often only after ingestion of several portions of poison. Should it happen that some rat poison is spilled in the household or within reach of pets, children and adults, it is important to remove it as soon as possible.

 

Sweep the rat poison into a pile. Wear rubber gloves and a dust mask so that no poison gets on your hands or into your lungs. Use a dustpan and hand brush to put the poison into a bucket with a lid and close it tightly. Immediately label the bucket with the word "rat poison" and keep it in a safe place.

 

Dampen an old towel with warm water and wipe the surface where the poison was spilled to remove all traces of poison. Put the towel together with the rubber gloves and the dust mask in a plastic bag and throw it away immediately.

 

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

 

Note: Rat poison has a shelf life of one year if stored at room temperature.