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Rodent Bait Safety

Mouse in a field

FOR RELEASE: Sept. 19, 2019

American Association of Poison Control Centers and the National Pesticide Information Center Provide Rodent Bait Safety Tips

Alexandria, VA – As we approach the start of fall and outside temperatures drop, rodents are drawn to sources of indoor heat and potential food. To prevent hazardous exposure to rodent bait, the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) and the National PesticideInformation Center (NPIC) offer helpful pest management and poison prevention tips.

“In 2018, over 9,000 human exposures to rodent poison were reported to poison control centers,” said AAPCC Chief Executive Officer Stephen T. Kaminski, JD. “To combat these exposures, AAPCC is partnering with the National Pesticide Information Center to emphasize the importance of rodent bait safety and poison prevention.”

When using rodent baits, Jeffrey Jenkins, Oregon State University Professor and Director of the National Pesticide Information Center, strongly suggests consumers understand the product. “Reading the pesticide label is the first, most important step. We are proud of NPIC and AAPCC's combined efforts to highlight measures to ensure the public's safe use of pesticides.

Our past campaigns have focused on antimicrobial products and insect repellents, so we are excited to now turn our attention to rodent bait products."

Leaving unsecured bait unattended can increase the likelihood of an exposure to rodent poison. A few simple steps can help to control infestation, prevent poisoning, and ensure safe usage:

  • Identify the rodent first. Each rodent has different habits and preferences. Exclude rodents by sealing cracks and crevices larger than one quarter
  • Store cleaning products and chemicals up, away, and out of sight of children. Keep products in their original containers. It is also important to remember that some cleaning products, like bleach and ammonia, can create highly toxic fumes when combined. NEVER mix cleaning chemicals!
  • Read and follow label instructions. Make a habit of reviewing the label on any cleaning or rodent bait product before each use. Follow usage directions, and the directions provided for safe storage and
  • Be prepared for an emergency. If you have questions or suspect you or someone else has been exposed to rodent bait contact poison control immediately at (800) 222-1222. The best way to be prepared in the event of any poisoning emergency is to save the contact information for poison control in your phone by; simply texting “POISON” to 797979. Also, make sure to display the contact information for poison control throughout your home, daycare or school, in case of
  • Use pesticides safely. For general questions about selecting, storing, using, or disposing of pesticides, and for other pesticide safety questions, call NPIC at (800) 858-7378 or visit the National Pesticide Information Center’s websiteat:orst.edu.

Webwww.aapcc.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AAPCC

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/aapcc/

As the weather cools down, rodents may try to head inside your warm home. Know what to do if you come across rodent bait.

 

For more information:

Yasmine Harding, Associate Manager, Public Education & Communications harding@aapcc.org, Amy Cross, Project Coordinator National Pesticide Information Center amy.cross@oregonstate.edu

About the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions about pesticides and their use. NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. NPIC produces many types of publications including research papers, frequently askedquestions,annual reports, outreach materials, podcasts and other resources available to the public.


About American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC)
AAPCC supports the nation’s 55 poison control center members in their efforts to treat and prevent exposures to drugs, consumer products, animal venom, environmental hazards and food poisoning. Members staff the Poison Help hotline (800-222-1222), a service that provides free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year from toxicology specialists, including nurses, pharmacists, physicians and poison information providers. In addition, AAPCC maintains the only poison information and surveillance database in the United States, providing real-time monitoring of unusual poisoning patterns, chemical exposures and other emerging public health hazards. AAPCC partners with federal agencies such as HRSA, CDC, FDA and EPA, as well as private industry. Be prepared for a poisoning emergency and download poison control’s contact information today. Text “poison” to 797979.

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