If you’re dealing with a rat problem, you might have heard that using antifreeze can help. While antifreeze does contain ethylene glycol, which is toxic to rodents, we don’t recommend this method. Not only is it dangerous to pets and wildlife, but it’s also unreliable and inhumane.
Let’s break down why using antifreeze as a DIY solution for rat control isn’t the right approach and what alternatives work better.
Key Takeaways
- Antifreeze can poison pets, wildlife, and other animals that find its sweet smell appealing.
- Rats often ingest too little antifreeze to die, making it an unreliable pest control method.
- Poisoned rats suffer a slow, painful death and may die in hidden areas, causing foul smells.
- Using antifreeze for rodent control may be illegal, and professional pest control is safer and more effective.
WHY USING ANTIFREEZE TO KILL RODENTS IS A BAD IDEA
Thinking about using antifreeze to get rid of rats? Before you do, there are a few things you should know. Here are five reasons why antifreeze isn’t the best choice for rodent control:
1. Antifreeze Is Dangerous to Pets & Wildlife
One of the biggest risks of using antifreeze as rat poison is that it doesn’t just attract rats. It can also harm pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife such as raccoons and skunks. The sweet smell of antifreeze is appealing to many animals, and even a small ingestion can lead to kidney failure.
Unlike rat poisons placed in bait stations, it is difficult to control once it’s set out, increasing the chances of accidental poisoning.
This makes it a poor choice for pest control around your home.
2. Antifreeze Is Not Reliable for Killing Rats
While ethylene glycol or propylene glycol—common coolant additives—can kill rodents, it doesn’t always work as expected.
Rats are cautious creatures that often sample new food sources in small concentrations. If they ingest only a small amount of antifreeze, it may not be enough to kill them.
Plus, they often avoid substances with unfamiliar tastes or smells, especially if they have easier access to more appealing food baits like peanut butter or dog food.
Compared to rat traps or poisons like bromethalin and anticoagulants, antifreeze is far less reliable.
3. It Causes a Slow & Inhumane Death
When rats ingest antifreeze, the ethylene glycol attacks their nervous system and kidneys, leading to kidney failure. This process can take days, causing confusion, seizures, and a slow, painful death.
Using mouse traps is not only faster and more humane but also more effective in eliminating rats quickly and preventing prolonged suffering.
4. Rats Often Die in Hard-to-Reach Areas
When a rat is poisoned with antifreeze, it typically seeks out dark, hidden areas as it becomes weak. This means you could end up with a dead rat decomposing inside your walls, attic, or crawl space, leading to foul odors and health risks.
Removing a dead mouse or rat from such spaces can be difficult and may require professional help.
5. Legal & Safety Issues With Using Antifreeze for Pest Control
Using antifreeze as poisoned bait may violate local laws, as many areas regulate the use of toxic substances for rodent control. Improper use can also pose serious health and safety risks to your household.
Instead, rely on approved rat bait stations, poisons, and traps designed for home use. Not only are these methods safer, but they’re also more effective at controlling infestations without the risk of harming pets or wildlife.
IS IT TIME TO CALL PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL?
While some people might use antifreeze to kill rodents, the risks far outweigh the benefits. The dangers of antifreeze poisoning to pets and wildlife, combined with its unreliable and inhumane effects, make it a poor choice for pest control.
For safer, more effective results, hire professional rodent control services.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer reliable rodent control services tailored to your specific needs. Our team inspects your home, seals entry points, and fixes any leaks that provide a water source for rats.
We also use proven methods like snap traps, bait stations, and poisons to eliminate these pests safely. Plus, with our re-treat guarantee, you can rest easy knowing we’ll resolve any lingering rat problems.
Contact us now for fast, reliable solutions throughout Southern Louisiana.