Rats are intelligent enough to distinguish between two human languages, but a more frightening fact is that rats are evolving to stay alive.
Tests were conducted on 191 black rat tails in four of Australia’s most populated cities and the results show a genetic mutation called Tyr25Phe.
The research has shown this genetic mutation increases their resistance to commonly used poisons.
Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (otherwise known as SGARS) is one such poison, and experts have called out its negative effects on wildlife. It has shown that SGARSs is responsible for the death of non-target animals, such as tawny frogmouths and eastern barn owls, that tend to feed on rodents.
SGARs also contains ingredients such as brodifacoum, bromadiolone and flocoumafen. Whilst allowed in Australia, regulatory concerns have led to these products being restricted in other countries.
There have been fears of a public health crisis, as people may be using excessive amounts of poison to eradicate their rat problems.
Luckily, safer alternatives such as warfarin have been suggested to combat rat infestations.
Ratblitz is a non-grain-based bait containing warfarin that specifically targets rats and mice. It is important to note that warfarin quickly breaks down after ingestion and does not leave residual toxins in dead rodents.
The other advantage of Ratblitz is that it is capable of outsmarting rats by not causing an immediate death. The rats wander away and die elsewhere, and as a result do not alert other rats to avoid the bait.
For more tips and information on how to solve your rat predicament, visit https://rci.com.au/ratblitz-faq/ or https://rci.com.au/store/ to place your order.
