What is the best rat poison?

At DIY Pest Control, we offer efficient and cost-effective rat poison solutions to tackle any size rat infestation either in a domestic or commercial environment. 

With a range of baiting options available to choose from, we have compiled a short guide on the best rat poison to use depending on different factors and our experiences.

What type of rat poison should I use?

Before you can go ahead and choose the exact rat poison you want to buy it’s important to be aware of the different types available.

Each type of poison is better suited depending on factors such as baiting location, size of the rodent infestation, where it’s being placed and more.

The three main types of rat poison we stock come in the following forms: block bait, grain bait and pasta bait.

Block bait

Rat block baits are small, square shaped and commonly used due to their ease of use, durability and success rates.

Block bait is traditionally designed to be used within rat bait stations thanks to a convenient hole opening through the centre of the block. This makes it very easy to attach the blocks to the rods inside each bait box keeping them secure once placed down.

Not only that but bait blocks are uniquely shaped, so that rats receive a lethal dose as quickly as possible, they are highly scented with a fragrance that is irresistible to rats.

Our rat poison block bait contains either 0.0025% difenacoum or brodifacoum.

Grain Bait

Grain bait rat poison is commonly sold in handy sized, ready to use sachets perfect for using within rat bait trays or within inaccessible areas.

Grain bait sachets are a more flexible alternative to block bait as they can be thrown in hard to reach areas or either placed underneath sheds and other concealed places where rats may be hiding.

Once the rats come across the sachets they will naturally knibble through it, consuming the poison and eventually killing them.

Loose bait is readily available in two sizes, 100g or 25g packs, the latter being the perfect size for an individual bait point.

If preferred, sachets can be opened and loose bait used in bait trays or bait boxes, but as this leads to a high scatter risk, it is imperative that there are no non-target species in the area.

Our grain bait contains either 0.0025% Brodifacoum or Bromadiolone.

Pasta Bait

Pasta bait are individual teabag shaped like sachets of dried pasta perfect for using within bait stations.

Pasta sachets can be used indoors or around buildings and have a more natural food appearance than other bait making them less suspicious to rats.

These sachets are a nice clean option as they cannot be scattered like loose bait, making them less wasteful. These sachets can also be easily pierced to skewer onto rods inside bait boxes. 

Unlike grain bait which can turn dry and unappetising, pasta bait won’t be affected by hot conditions making it just as appealing to rats all year round.

Best rat poison 2021

Now you are aware of the different types of rat poison available we can explore the best rat poison to use. Our experts have reviewed each poison available on our site and compiled this handy list.

1. Romax D Block Bait Rat Killer

Romax D Block Rat Killer are poison bait blocks for amateur use against rats and mice. They contain 0.0025% w/w difenacoum and are designed to be contained within rat or mouse bait boxes.

These deadly blocks are shaped to ensure rats nibble the edges to eat their lethal dose fast. The blocks have a central hole for securing onto a baiting rod or spike found in all bait stations.

Pros:

• Can be easily secured to rods within rat bait stations
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Rapid take and fast acting

Cons:

• Rats may be initially put off by these blocks appearing in their environment
• Not as easy to place in hard to reach areas

1 tub price = £6.96
3 tub price = £18.90

2. Rentokil Rat Weatherproof Blocks

Rentokil Rat Weatherproof Blocks are ‘ready to use’ rodenticide baits for amateur use, containing 0.0025% brodifacoum.

Each handy tub contains 10 bait blocks, for indoor and outdoor use against rats. and can also be used within a rat bait box.

Pros:

• Can be easily secured to rods with rat bait stations
• Effective indoors and outdoors
• Kills in just one feed

Cons:

• Rats may be initially put off by these blocks appearing in their environment
• Not as easy to place in hard to reach areas

1 tub price = £8.04
3 tub price = £22.56

Baiting tips:

• Rats are shy of new things, so for maximum control, avoid tidying before baiting and once placed, avoid moving the bait boxes.
• Use natural and familiar materials to protect the boxes, to encourage the rats inside.
• Replace water damaged or contaminated bait every 2-3 days.

3. Rodex Whole Wheat Rat Poison

Rodex Whole Rat Poison comes in 150g sachets of whole wheat containing 0.0025% w/w bromadiolone. They are ideal for throwing into inaccessible places where they will stay dry until a rodent comes along, chews into the bag and eats the bait. Each pack contains 150g of treated wheat, enough to kill several rats.

Pros:

• Can be thrown in inaccessible or hard to reach areas
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Cost effective and highly effective

Cons:

• Loose bait is more dangerous to non target species if not safely placed
• More likely to be scattered or dragged around by rats

5 sachets = £11.46
15 sachets = £32.10

4. Rentokil Rat Killer Grain Bait

Rentokil Rat Killer Grain Bait is a ‘ready to use’ rodenticide bait for amateur use, containing 0.0025% brodifacoum.

Each handy pack contains 3 x 50g sachets, for indoor and outdoor use against rats.

Pros:

• Can thrown into hard to reach and inaccessible areas
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Can be used in tamper resistant bait stations

Cons:

• Grain bait is more likely to be scattered or dragged by rats if not placed in a bait station
• Block bait is more resilient, especially in outdoor conditions

1 box price = £6.36
3 box price = £17.82

5. Rentokil Rodine Rat Killer Grain Bait

Rentokil Rodine Rat Killer Grain Bait is a ‘ready to use’ rodenticide bait for amateur use, containing 0.0025% brodifacoum.

Each handy pack contains 6 x 25g sachets, for indoor and outdoor use against rats.

Pros:

• Can kill up to 12 rats
• Can be used inside tamper resistant bait stations
• Can be used indoors and outdoors

Cons:

• Grain bait is more likely to be scattered or dragged by rats if not placed in a bait station
• Block bait is more resilient, especially in outdoor conditions

1 box price = £6.12
3 box price = £17.16

Baiting tips:

• Ensure that bait points are safe and there are no animals or children around who might consume the bait
• Unless using the sachets in an inaccessible place, do not over-bait, as it is irresponsible and wasteful

6. Knockout Rat Killer Pasta Bait

Knockout Rat Killer Pasta is a non-professional use product for the eradication of rats and mice. It contains 0.0029% w/w Difenacoum and is designed to be secured inside rat or mouse bait boxes.

1 box price = £3.60

3 box price = £9.54

Pros:

• Can be easily secured to rods within bait stations by piercing the sachet
• More natural in appearance and less likely to put off rats from feeding
• Stay appetising to rodents even in hot conditions

Cons:

• Holes will have to pierced in each sachet to secure them to a bait station rod
• Rats tend to nibble more on block bait and may get frustrated with pasta sachets

Tips:

• Place the pasta bait, secure in a bait box, where rats are active, where there are droppings or inside burrows
• Make sure the bait is always safe from non-target species, by using a box, or covering with drainage pipes, slates or boards

Read more: How long does it take rat poison to work?

Rat Poison FAQs

Check out some frequently asked questions below about rat poison baiting.

What’s the best rat poison for gardens?

When using rat poison within gardens you will need a bit with is resilient to different types of weather conditions. We suggest using some form of block bait or pasta bait which can be secured inside a rat bait station for further protection

What’s the best rat poison for using around pets?

Using rat poison around pets requires a lot of consideration to ensure they are not exposed to any form of bait. To ensure this we insist you use a block or pasta bait product that can be secured inside a bait station.

What’s the best rat poison for using under decking?

Getting rat poison under decking is the hardest challenge and in this situation it’s best to use grain bait sachets which can be thrown underneath and will stay fairly put.

What’s the best rat poison to use in lofts or attics?

Similar to using rat poison under decking to target loft and attics areas it’s probably best to use sachets which can simply be thrown into target areas. If you can get access to the loft / attic area then other types of poison may also be suitable.

Conclusion

We have a variety of different formulations of rat poison to deal with any infestation. Products come in different sizes so you can pick the amount you need depending on the size of your problem.  If you find it easier, we also offer rat poison kits. These contain everything you need to deal with small, medium or large infestations.

We hope that you have found this guide to rat poison helpful and informative. Should you need further assistance, please get in touch.

Why not read on expert tips for how to rat proof your home.