A guide to rodenticides and rodent control products

The need for rodent control products in New Zealand

Occasionally mice and rats find their way into our homes and businesses. Rodents are usually seeking food or shelter, so keeping areas clean and free from food sources is the best way to discourage them. However, sometimes the problem can be bigger than a few unwanted guests, requiring a solution that is stronger than traps and deterrents.

What are rodenticides?

Rodenticides are products manufactured and sold for the purpose of killing rodents, and they are just one of many different types of rodent-control products that we sell. In New Zealand most rodenticides are classed as vertebrate toxic agents. Vertebrate toxic agents (VTAs) are agricultural compounds that are used to kill or control vertebrate pests like rabbits, possums, and rodents.

What are the different types of rodenticides?

There are several different types of rodenticides. Naturally derived rodenticides are manufactured using natural products – salt, for example. They are effective, posing little risk to other species, but they usually require more than one use (“feed”) to eliminate rodents and do generally take longer to kill the target species.

First Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (FGAR) use an older chemical technology but are similar to naturally derived rodenticides (requiring more than one feed for effective elimination and posing reduced risk to other species).

Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGAR) utilise more current chemical technology. They are the most humane option for eliminating rodents; however, they pose a greater risk of harm to non-target species. The rodents die quickly due to the efficiency of the rodenticide, so the poison stays in the dead rodents and there is potentially a greater risk of secondary poisoning of non-target species, so it’s important to remove any dead rodents that you find.

Non-coagulant rodenticides (NAR) are more toxic to humans and other species and require special accreditation to buy and sell. (Bunnings does not sell this type of rodenticide.)

We choose our products with care, and the products we sell are approved by Australian and New Zealand regulators.

Why do we need rodenticides?

Rodents are problematic pests for communities. If not controlled in a timely manner, rodents like mice and rats can pose health and economic risks. Rodenticides are very effective, especially when dealing with larger infestations.

How to use rodenticides safely

If rodenticides are used carefully and in accordance with their instructions, they are safe to use. The active ingredients in rodenticides are toxic to rodents and may be dangerous to other species if they aren’t used correctly.

• Always read and follow the instructions on the label. When used according to the label instructions, rodenticides pose little risk.
• Remove any dead rodents you find and dispose of them properly to minimise the risk of secondary poisoning.
• Always wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when using rodenticides.

Other ways to prevent rodents around homes and businesses

Prevention is always better than a cure, so aim to make your property unattractive and inaccessible to rodents.

• Don’t feed them. This means keeping areas clean and free from food sources, including the garden and backyard. (Store grains, seeds, bones and pet food in tightly closed containers.)
• Get rid of their hidey-holes. Rodents like to build their nests in small, dark and dry locations. (Remove any empty cans, containers and building materials in your garage, garden or backyard, and keep your compost bins moist.)
• Be vigilant. If you spot evidence of rodents (droppings, gnaw marks, damaged cables or noise in the walls), get cracking on removing them. The sooner you tackle the problem, the less chance there is for rodents to breed and infest your property.
• Block them off at the source. Look for holes where rodents might be able to squeak into your property, and close them off (or minimise the best you can). Keeping your roof, floors and walls in good order will help, too.

For more information

We sell a wide range of rodent control products, including mechanical traps, naturally derived products, sonic deterrers and rodenticides. If you have any questions about which rodent control product is right for you, and/or how to use the product safely, please speak to one of our helpful Team Members.