The AIPM Blog

What You Need to Know About Poison Free Rodent Control

Written by Paul Townsend | Apr 2, 2021 11:27:56 PM

Burrowing Rodents Destroy Urban, Rural and Agricultural Settings

Gophers, ground squirrels and other burrowing rodents can ruin your garden, damage tree roots, cause irrigation problems and erosion around your home. These damages can lead to personal injuries and, potentially, litigation. Traditional control methods include baiting, trapping, and/or shooting, but these methods are not always the best approach. A great alternative to these methods is carbon monoxide rodent control!

The Problem with Poison

Poison is often the first thing that comes to mind when a homeowner discovers they have a pest problem. However, using poison to kill outdoor rodents could lead to more problems. One of the biggest concerns is secondary poisoning. Secondary poisoning is when a non-target animal eats a poisoned rodent, and receive a small dose of the poison.

  • Every year, thousands of hawks, eagles, owls, and other birds of prey suffer from secondary poisoning.
  • In one 2017 study, it was found that 97% of Red Tail hawks tested positive for exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides; these poisons can cause these birds to slowly die painfully from internal bleeding. *Not necessary?
  • Our beloved pets are at risk for secondary poisoning too. Cats are excellent hunters, and a curious dog could easily catch and eat a dying, poisoned rodent.

Traps May Not be the Answer

  • Traps are a non-toxic solution to outdoor rodents, but unless they are properly placed, baited, and monitored they can be inefficient.
  • Many traps require significant digging to properly place them.
  • When poorly set, rodents can see the potential danger of a trap, and avoid it.
  • Non-target animals can also be caught and injured in a trap.
  • Traps are labor-intensive to the point where it is cost prohibitive.

Carbon Monoxide as an Alternative to Poison and Traps

Fortunately, there are alternatives to dangerous poisons and traps when it comes to eliminating burrowing rodents from your property. There is no need to put the lives of local wildlife, or your pets at risk.

Benefits of Carbon Monoxide Over Other Rodent Control Methods

  • Poison free rodent control: No poison baits left behind!
  • Eliminates secondary poisoning risks in other animals
  • No worry about traps or trapping non-target animals
  • Treats the entire colony of burrowing rodents quickly, effectively, and humanely
  • Does not require special permits such as Restricted Material Permits, Notice of Intents, or posted notifications.

How Carbon Monoxide Works as Rodent Control

  • First, the technician identifies underground rodent tunnel
  • Application hose is inserted into the tunnel
  • Machine pumps carbon monoxide throughout the tunnel system. This can take several minutes depending on the size of the system. Some units provide a harmless smoke to ensure full coverage of the tunnel

Typical treatment at your home will take approximately 1-2 hours, best of all there are no poisonous baits left behind.

Efficacy of Using Carbon Monoxide to Kill Burrowing Rodents

Carbon monoxide as a rodent control device is quite effective. A single service can control a majority of the population depending on severity of damage. Areas that are heavily infested may require regular service to keep the population under control.

If you have an issue with burrowing rodents on your property, a carbon monoxide treatment is the humane and cost effective solution to the problem. Contact us now to learn more and get a quote. You may also call us at 888-344-6567.