Rat infestation is a major concern for American homeowners. About 14 million U.S. households are currently dealing with rodents like rats. While using rat poison might seem like a quick fix, it can be harmful to pets in the house. So, what are the alternatives? If you’ve looked online for ways to kill rats without using rat poison, you may have come across salt. It can be used as a solution.
Rats can indeed be killed with salt. However, it’s not as simple as leaving a bowl of salt out for them to eat. A rat will die with about 80 grams of salt. They cannot survive with more than 70-75 grams in their bodies. Additional salt can cause severe neurological problems, muscle paralysis, deafness, blindness, weakness, gastroenteritis, and inflammation.
The American Psychological Association states that rats generally don’t prefer salted foods. They already get enough salt from their existing food. However, rats can reverse the effects of excess salt by drinking water.
Killing rats can be inhumane, but it’s necessary considering the damage and diseases they bring. While some U.S. states encourage killing rats, others require alternative approaches. For example, in Washington D.C., exterminators must trap and release rats into the wild. The use of rat glue traps and snap traps is restricted.
Using salt to deter rats is cost-effective and safe for pets and kids, unlike rat poison. However, salt kills rats more slowly and may be ineffective with large rat populations. Rats can also counter the effects of salt by consuming water if it’s available nearby.
To effectively use salt as bait, you can consider items that are known to attract rats. Examples include cheese or rat chow. Cheese provides a scent that can appeal to rats, given their strong sense of smell. A standard slice of blue cheese with at least 80 grams of salt can be used as bait.
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