Does Rat Poison Expire?

Poison mixed with bait for rodents to eat is one of the most primitive and efficient techniques to manage rodents. Although this may appear horrific and horrible, it is most likely the simplest approach to slow down their population’s almost endless growth. But does it last indefinitely, or does it have an expiration date? I did some study and came up with the following conclusions.

 

• Because rat poison is often constructed from organic components with a shelf life, it does expire and deteriorate. Even so, rat poison may remain effective after expiration, but it will gradually lose effectiveness over time. Rodents will often become less interested in poison as it deteriorates.

 

If you want to make sure your rat poison lasts as long as possible, get an airtight container like this one from Amazon. Because it’s the same kind used to store food, make sure it’s labeled “poison” so it doesn’t end up being used for food later.

Let’s get into the details now and answer any remaining questions you might have for a rat exterminator.

How Long Does Rat Poison Last Before It Expires?

Rodenticides, also known as rat poison, are chemicals used to control rat populations. They’re usually in the form of a food bait, and they’re not immediately lethal. To avoid rats from becoming suspicious of what you’re putting out for them, these baits include poisons that kill rats days or weeks after consumption.

 

However, rat poison, like practically everything else in the world, does not remain indefinitely, and the bait might go bad over time depending on the chemical and other materials employed.

 

• If a pack of rat poison is kept in an airtight container, it can last for up to a year before going bad. The bait you’ve left out in the open, on the other hand, should be changed around once a month.

 

But don’t be too hasty. Just because the bait had gone rotten didn’t mean the poison inside had gone bad as well. Never clean up expired rat poison bait with your bare hands. If you’ve come into direct touch with it, wash your hands well with soap and water, as the chemicals inside the bait are harmful to humans even in little doses.

When Rat Poison Has Expired, What Happens Next?

Rat poison decays over time, making it less appealing to rats. While rat poison does have an expiration date, it pertains to the container and materials used to produce the bait, not the chemicals.

Even rat poison that has passed its expiration date can be used, but expect it to be less effective. Food selection and caution in rats may be a biological adaptation for their inability to vomit. So a stale bait would appeal to them like stale food does to us humans.

While some rats may be bold or stupid enough to test outdated bait, the number of kills will fluctuate. If a new rat poison kills 80% of rats, you should be satisfied if an old poison kills 40%.

Does Poison Lose Its Effectiveness Over Time?

• If properly maintained, poison will not lose potency and may even breakdown into more lethal substances. In rats poison, coagulants like warfarin and zinc phosphide normally disintegrate within days or months.

 

Despite the word “degrade,” these substances are nevertheless dangerous to individuals.

Is Rat Poison That Has Been Expired More Dangerous?

Popular brands of rat poison should, objectively speaking, become less hazardous over time; if they do, they can no longer be deemed effective and should be abandoned.

 

Because we’re dealing with potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals, keep them out of reach of pets, children, and others. Although rat poison can be used after its expiration date, there’s no reason to put yourself or others in danger.

What’s the Best Way to Keep Rat Poison Safe?

• Make sure your container has an airtight closure to prevent your bait from expiring. It is advised that you use a lockable cabinet that only you or trusted others may open. Your dogs and children should never get access to it.

 

Rat poison, like any other deadly substance, should be kept in a secure location with limited access.

Last Thoughts

Rats are one of the most despised animals on the earth, and there’s a reason for it. Rats existed while our forefathers were still rock-banging cavemen, and they were just as annoying as they are now. They continue to eat our food, destroy our property, and bite our bodies, exposing us to their diseases. Do you recall the Black Plague? It would not have been as harmful if the fleas had not been present.

For more insight on Do Rat Poison Expire call us at (773)701-7705 or contact rat exterminators near me right away!