Rats are more than a nuisance—they can spread diseases and are capable of chewing wood beams and electrical wires. When homeowners see a rat, they often panic, but with the right poison or repellent, it’s an easy problem to take care of and can save you the expense of hiring a rat exterminator.
Below, we provide product recommendations for the best rat poison and rodent repellents, information about various types of rat poison, what to look for when buying, and answers to common buyer questions.
SAFETY NOTE: Rat poison can be fatal if ingested by pets and humans. Always keep household pest control substances in a secure, locked location high off the ground. Create a safety plan and research the best options for your household’s needs.
Top 7 Rat Poisons
- Motomco Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx: Best Overall
- Tomcat Bromethalin: Best For Yards
- Tomcat with Bromethalin Meal Bait: Best For Roof Rats
- Ramik Green Bait Packs: Best Pellets
- Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Defense: Best Low-Toxicity
- Farnam Just One Bite II: Best for Farms
- RatX Throw Packs: Best Pet-Safe
Compare Top Rat Poisons
| Product | Form | Species Affected | Weight | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Motomco Tomcat All-Weather Bait ChunxCheck Price | Chunk | Rats and mice | 4 pounds | Bucket |
Tomcat BromethalinCheck Price | Seeds | Norway rats, roof rats, and house mice | 5 pounds | Jug |
Tomcat with Bromethalin Meal BaitCheck Price | Chunk | Norway rats, roof rats, house mice, meadow voles, and more | 4 pounds | Bucket |
Ramik Green Bait PacksCheck Price | Pellets | Rats, mice, meadow voles | 4 pounds | Bag |
Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent DefenseCheck Price | Spray | Rats and mice | 1 gallon | Jug with sprayer |
Farnam Just One Bite IICheck Price | Bar | Norway rats, roof rats, house mice, and warfarin-resistant Norway rats | 8 pounds | Wrapped bars |
RatX Throw PacksCheck Price | Packs | Rats and mice | N/A | Packets |
Best Overall
Motomco Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx
We find that rats can be just as big of a problem outdoors as they are indoors. These all-weather chunks from Motomco are moisture- and mildew-resistant, allowing them to work both indoors and outdoors. These chunks can last without disintegrating even when exposed to rain, snow, or other precipitation.
Pros and Cons of Motomco Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx
- Also kills mice
- Comes in a large 4-pound bucket
- Kills rodents in four to six days
- Only meant for agricultural or rural use
- Takes longer to kill a rat than the other baits in this review
What People Are Saying About The Motomco Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx
We noticed that many customers liked that the Motomco All-Weather Bait Chunks were easy to use, worked both indoors and outdoors, and eliminated a large number of rats and mice. However, we also found that some customers were disappointed that the poison didn’t contain the powerful rodenticide bromadiolone. They thought that this might have contributed to the chunks taking days to kill rodents.
“After having our wood pile next to our house, we had a massive amount of rats and nothing worked to kill them. They ate through everything and made a mess of cupboards, dressers, and drawers. This product is the only thing that worked to kill them, we used half a container, compared to boxes of the other stuff sold out there and even using a company. Would recommend over and over.” — Heidi N Perez via Amazon
“…These pretty much have been ignored by the critters and when I do see one has been eaten a bit, I have yet to see a dead body in the yard or garage. But I do still see lots of the little guys running around. The population has not dropped at all.”— Dan via Amazon
Best For Yards
Tomcat Bromethalin
The Tomcat Bromethalin from Motomco uses bromethalin to eliminate a wide variety of rodents, including Norway rats, roof rats, house mice, and meadow voles. We like its large four-pound bucket, which is filled with large poison chunks. The chunks have a hole drilled through them, so you can hang them from a pole, which our team found to be a clever design.
Pros and Cons of Tomcat Bromethalin
- Kills up to 12 rats per block
- Can kill rats in as little as two days
- Features a mold- and moisture-resistant formula
- Dangerous if ingested by pets or children
- Can only be used within 100 feet of manmade structures
What People Are Saying About The Tomcat Bromethalin
When combing through reviews for the Tomcat with Bromethalin rat poison, we found that many who left positive reviews like that it was weatherproof, easy to put out, and attractive to rats and mice. However, customers who left negative reviews didn’t like that it was dangerous to have around pets. Some we saw also said that it didn’t always kill the rats that ate it.
“This product works great! It’s easy and a great bargain for the price! … We simply put some of these in the attic and a few other places where our dogs couldn’t reach them. Problem solved, and no smell of dying wood rats. No fussing with traps, and you get your peace and quiet back in your home. 5-star product all the way!” — Ladydi8 via Amazon
“I can’t yet speak to how well this works, but I offer this note of caution. My dog was VERY interested in the pail the minute I unboxed it. When I opened the pail, I knew why: it smells like candy. Actually, it smells delicious. If you are not 100% certain you can secure this away from pets and small children, buy something else. When the lid is secured on the pail, it might be difficult for a small child to open, but a determined dog could chew through the pail.” — Becky Richardson via Amazon
Best For Roof Rats
Tomcat with Bromethalin Meal Bait
We are impressed with how the seeds for the Tomcat with Bromethalin Meal Bait attract mice and rats by looking, smelling, and tasting like real food. They have bromethalin mixed into their oat and nut formula to poison rats without them knowing it. With the built-in handle, you can safely and securely carry the poison to and from storage.
Pros and Cons of Tomcat with Bromethalin Meal Bait
- Comes in a 5-pound container to tackle a large rodent infestation
- Kills anticoagulant-resistant animals, such as roof rats and house mice
- Also effective bait for active rodent burrows
- Appearance and smell may be attractive to birds
- Seed form may not last as long as larger forms like chunks or pellets
What People Are Saying About The Tomcat with Bromethalin Meal Bait
Many customers say that the Tomcat Bromethalin Meal Bait’s seeds were easy to spread and able to kill large infestations from rats and other pests. However, some unhappy customers who claimed that mice and rats sometimes avoided eating the seeds. Others said that they arrived poorly packaged.
“…If you are throwing these in between the floors of your home or in crawl spaces where your pets cannot go, you can get rid of a huge infestation of roof rats in 24 hours. … For weeks and weeks I trapped and trapped to no avail. Twenty four hours after I threw these seeds into my crawl space attic and above the lower-level ceiling (by cutting an access panel), They were gone!” — John J Nunya via Amazon
“….Unfortunately, the rats hardly touched the poison. … The rats liked these balls but did not seem to have any detrimental effect on them. They were happily collecting them and taking them back to their den.” — Imi via Amazon
Best Pellets
Ramik Green Bait Packs
Our research show the nuggets from Ramik Green Bait Packs have a similar formula to other baits with poison mixed into oats and grains. However, they separate themselves from the competition by also using fish aroma as an attractant. The rodenticide is also available in a large 20-pound bucket to tackle large, widespread infestations.
Pros and Cons of Ramik Green Bait Packs
- Kills rats, mice, and meadow voles
- Fish flavor is attractive to pests
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- May entice children and pets because it looks and smells like food
- Could be ingested by other outdoor animals
What People Are Saying About The Ramik Green Bait Packs
Several customers like that Ramik Green Rat Poison works well on multiple types of rodents and was easy to disperse. However, we also noticed that those who were unsatisfied with the rat poison said that it was less effective than traditional rat trap and others said the rats eventually learned to ignore it.
“I first used the big 4 lb bar. Took a whole bar and put on the shelf in the garage. Rat corpses on the floor the next day. Also found a possum dead on the floor another day. This is a wonderful product. I know rats have been in my house, so I left an open bag of pellets in the dining room and found another body on the floor. I don’t have any kids or pets anymore. I do highly recommend this product!” — mary baker via Amazon
“…The first few uses were actually working. I would find dead rats and mice everywhere at my job. But after a while, it seems that they became immune to eating, They finish all the bait, but I haven’t found another dead one in a long time. I noticed that they just hide now, but they are still all over the desk and messed up my printer. I’m still in search for a product that will actually keep working and killing these rats….. This product would probably be great for someone who only has a few rats” — maria via Amazon
Best Low-Toxicity
Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Defense
For those looking for a spray option, we recommend the Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Defense, which uses peppermint essential oil to repel rats and mice. It can be used both inside and outside. It’s also easier to apply than other rat poisons on the market — simply shake the container and spray using the nozzle trigger.
Pros and Cons of Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Defense
- Safe to use near pets because of its all-natural formula
- Doesn’t leave stains when it’s used indoors
- Includes spray nozzle for application
- May have an overpowering smell for some users
- Not as effective as repellents made from harsh chemicals
What People Are Saying About The Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Defense
Many customers appreciate that the Natural Armor Peppermint Repellent doesn’t have an overwhelming smell, was long-lasting, and eliminated unwanted insects. Additionally, others like that they can use this rat poison safely around their pets. However, those who left negative reviews claimed that the pump leaked and was difficult to use.
“I started using this product after rodents (probably rats) ate the wires under the hood of my car during the pandemic when I wasn’t driving, and the car sat for several weeks. The repair people told me to spray the engine compartment with peppermint oil. I have been doing that periodically ever since, and I have had no further problems.” — Friend of Music via Amazon
“Have you ever used a garbage spray bottle that barely spits and dribbles no matter how hard or fast you pump it? You can verify the pickup tube is submerged, the cap is tight, the nozzle is adjusted properly, and you just can’t get a reliable spray. If you have the option to buy the product for less without the junk sprayer, do that and put it in a quality spray bottle as needed.” — Rand via Amazon
Best for Farms
Farnam Just One Bite II
Farnam Just One Bite II are individually-wrapped bars that offer a potent bait option for rural homeowners who want to get rid of their local rodent infestation. The pack of rat poison comes with eight long-lasting bars containing bromadiolone, which we liked can be placed exactly where rodent activity is suspected.
Pros and Cons of Farnam Just One Bite II
- Rodents can easily consume a lethal dose in a single night’s feeding
- Takes effect in four to five days, so there’s no risk of bait shyness
- Effective against warfarin-resistant Norway rats
- Potentially lethal to pets if ingested
- Only for use in and around agricultural buildings
What People Are Saying About The Farnam Just One Bite II
Overall, we found that most customers gave the Farnam Just One Bite II bait blocks a four- or five-star review, claiming that the bars were effective in getting rid of their rodent problem. Users also enjoyed a rodent-free home long after the bait was deployed and consumed, so the product had a long-lasting effect for them. Critically, we did see some users that said the bars smelled foul and were overpriced given the other rat poison options on the market.
“….Within a week, there was no sound of mice or rodents. This stuff works great. After a few months, I checked and refilled the stations. This stuff worked like a charm for any rodents that came inside or that were already inside. Fast forward 2 years. I keep the stations filled in the same locations. There is no evidence of rodents in the house, garage, or attic.” — Not a cop. via Amazon
“Not sure if there is peanut butter in this bait, but it does not smell so great. Not a strong smell, just not a good smell. I did not notice any mice eating it, I had a motion camera set on this thing for weeks. Do have to handle with great care, keep pets and kids away. Second gen active ingredient is no joke.” — T. Nguyen via Amazon
Best Pet-Safe
RatX Throw Packs
These rat poison packs from RatX are incredibly easy to use — just toss the pack where you see rodent activity, and it does the rest. These packs, which are safe around kids and pets, dehydrate and cause kidney failure in rats, and can be thrown anywhere, indoors or outdoors.
Pros and Cons of RatX Throw Packs
- Requires no mixing or setup
- Won’t harm non-target wildlife or cause secondary poisoning in predators
- Reduces odor by up to 90%
- Some customers report that the rats are not always attracted to the bait and will sometimes ignore it
- Requires a large amount to be consumed to be lethal to rats
What People Are Saying About The RatX Throw Packs
Customers who like this rat poison commented on its long-term effectiveness and the lack of clean up required. Others like how it was naturally made, meaning it’s safe to use around dogs and cats. However, some found that rats ignored the poison, and others said that the bags broke easily.
“I love how easy these are to use. We have a huge attic, and I placed around 12 packs around up there, and the rat presence disappeared. The same is true for our crawl space. We live near a national park and have all kinds of wildlife. Killing these rats without any danger to the rest of the wildlife is important to us.” — Jeff Plumley via Amazon
“If you live out in the country and have field rats… this does not work. I’ve put the pouches around their holes, down in the holes, and the rat just runs around the bag. I’ve even put a couple of pellets down into the holes, and the rat wants nothing to do with it. Maybe it works for city rats, but field rats are WAY too smart to fall for these poison pouches..” —ocoean via Amazon
Rat Poison Buying Guide
Rat poison is a useful and easy way to get rid of rats. To narrow down your search for the best rat killer, you should examine the types of poison available and determine which one works best for you based on how many rats you have, where you live, and if you need to use it indoors or outdoors. However, the first thing you need to know is how animals are getting into your home or how to prevents rats from getting in.
From there, you can examine the types of bait available, how long it would take to kill the animals, and the toxicity of the bait, which is especially important if you have children or pets. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best rat poison for you.
How To Prevent Rats
Instead of eliminating rats, you can help avoid an infestation altogether with preventative measures in your home. Below are a few steps to take to prevent rats:
- Fill holes and cracks: Most rats can squeeze through a hole that’s around the size of a quarter. Go around your home and make sure any holes or cracks of this size are filled. Pay special attention to doors, windows, basements, and garages.
- Don’t leave food out: Rats are coming into your home to look for food sources. One easy way we found to prevent them from accessing any is by keeping trash cans closed, wiping counters, and storing food in a fridge or airtight container.
- Remove possible habitats: Our team found that rats are drawn to areas where they can hide, such as in old appliances or cars, piles of wood, metal, or trash, and heavy vegetation. Eliminate as many of these habitats as possible to steer rats in a different direction.
Types of Rat Poison
The three main types of rat poisons include acute toxins, calcium releasers, and anticoagulants.
- Acute toxins: Acute toxins release a small amount of poison into the rodent’s bloodstream until it builds up to a lethal dose.
- Calcium releasers: Calcium releasers increase the total amount of calcium in a rat’s bloodstream, causing its organs to shut down.
- Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants cause internal bleeding, which leads to death once the rat loses too much blood.
Our research shows that none of these options are painless deaths, so if that’s something you’re conscious of, you may want to look into other ways of killing rats, such as snap traps. Installing a critter-proof garden fence is another good option for homeowners.
Types of Rat Bait
Rat bait is available in block, chunk, nugget, seed, and bar forms. Ultimately, there is little difference between these forms and there’s no best way to eliminate rats. Larger pieces, such as blocks, chunks, and bars, may be slightly easier to set up and less messy. Larger pieces of bait are sometimes known as bait stations.
How Long Does It Take Rat Poison To Work?
Rat poisons are either slow- or fast-acting. While slow-acting poisons take days to kill rodents, they can usually kill more. This is because the rodent may carry the poison back to its friends, thinking that it’s sharing a meal. Fast-acting poisons work right away, but we found that other rats may catch on and learn to avoid these baits.
What If My Dog Ate Rat Poison?
Despite your best efforts, it’s entirely your possible your furry friend has found their way into your rat poison. If so, read our guide on how to tell if your dog has ate rat poison and next steps you need to take.
Signs of Rat Poisoning in Dogs
There are several clinical signs that your dog has rat poisoning, according to PetMD. However, symptoms depend on the type of poison your pup has ingested and it may take up to a week for your dog to start showing signs of rat poisoning. Below are a few common signs of rat poisoning in dogs:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Tremors/seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list and you should consult with your local veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ingested rat poison.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Rat Poison
If your dog eats rat poison, we recommend that you do the following:
Grab your keys: Take your dog to the emergency vet.
Grab your phone: Call the poison control center for animals or contact your local emergency vet.
Non-Toxic Rat Poison
Standard rat poisons are made with chemicals that are also toxic to pets and humans. However, if you’re using a repellent as opposed to bait, you can usually find options with non-toxic formulas. These repellents are usually made from natural ingredients, such as peppermint oil. While anyone can use them, we find they’re particularly useful in homes with pets and children who don’t know to avoid pest poison.
Rat Poison FAQs
What is the most effective rat poison?
We found that the strongest and most effective rat poisons typically contain bromadiolone or difethialone as their active ingredient. Slow-acting poison tends to be more effective than fast-acting poison because it won’t deter other rodents from eating the mouse bait, leading to longer-term rodent control. Additionally, knowing what species you’re dealing with can help you find the most effective rat poison for the job at hand.
How does rat bait work?
While the specific method of killing varies depending on the type of poison bait, all rat bait stations work in generally the same way. A rat sees the poison as food and eats it. The poison eventually works its way through the the body, leading to dead rats.
How long do poisons take to kill rats?
Fast-acting poisons kill rats within hours, while we find that slow-acting rodent baits can take as long as a week.
How do I know if I have a rat infestation in my home?
Here are some common signs that you have a rat problem in your home:
- Damage to baseboards
- Urine or droppings on the floor
- Scurrying or squeaking sounds
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of rat poison products with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.