Farmer’s Genius and Effective Pet-Safe Rat Poison

LOUISIANA - If you’ve got a rat problem at home but also have dogs or cats running around, you’ve probably searched for a rat poison that’s safe around your pets.

Unfortunately, experts say there’s really no such thing as a completely pet-safe rat poison. Most rat poisons can seriously harm dogs, cats, and even wildlife if accidentally eaten.

That doesn’t mean you’re out of options, though.

One farmer took to YouTube to share his tip on how he controls rodents around his property that is also safe for his pets and farm animals, and it will only cost you $6 or $7 if you don't already have these two things in your kitchen.

Why Traditional Rat Poison Is Dangerous For Dogs And Cats

Most rat poisons are designed to kill rodents by attacking their nervous system or preventing blood from clotting. The problem is those same toxic ingredients can also affect pets.

According to petmd.com, Veterinary experts warn that common rat poison ingredients can cause internal bleeding, seizures, kidney failure, paralysis, and brain swelling.

READ MORE: Louisiana's 7 Deadliest Animals

Even a small amount of rat poison can become a medical emergency for pets.

Are Any Rat Poisons Safer Around Pets?

Some newer products marketed as “pet safer” use ingredients designed to dehydrate rodents instead of causing internal bleeding.

One commonly mentioned option is RatX, which uses corn gluten-based ingredients rather than traditional anticoagulants. Experts say these products may lower the risk of secondary poisoning if a dog or cat eats a poisoned rodent.

At my house recently we've noticed a few rats and mice showing up in our backyard due to our two new bird feeders we put up. Obviously I'd like to get rid of them but I'm worried about our dogs getting into any rat poison we poison or catching one who has ingested poison.

READ MORE: Louisiana Couple Cooks Fresh Nutria Over Rice for YouTuber

Thankfully I came across a video from a farmer who has shared how he deals with rodents around his property and barns that doesn't pose a health threat to his pets and farm animals.

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Cornbread And Baking Soda Rat Poison Mix

Jerald A. Hanson with Pine Meadows Hobby Farm: A Frugal Homestead on YouTube might have the answer to safe pest control for our pets.

Hanson's safe rat poison mix is super simple, and he claims super effective. All you need is a box of Jiffy Cornbread mix and baking soda.

He explains the recipe on YouTube -

4 teaspoons of Jiffy honey cornbread mix
4 teaspoons of baking soda
1 plastic container (Dollar Tree Tupperware-style)

OK, so why does this work?

Simply put, rats can't burp or fart, so the reaction of the cornbread mix and baking soda creates a gas when the rodents eat it. The build up of the gas then becomes fatal to the rat.