Title image above is copyright © Kristi Ellinopoullos

First published 12th June 2026

This complements the Update: An Effective, Homemade Rodenticide post.

Please also read about Second-generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) and their threats to wildlife and pets here.

The problem with the rat/mouse bait I make is that it becomes inactive if wet. The active ingredient (Plaster of Paris) hardens outside the rat rather than inside, making it completely useless and limiting placement outdoors.

Then I realised I could do this:


copyright © Kristi Ellinopoullos

Simply cut away one side, chuck the bait in, put the lid on, and there you go. Place the bait far back into the container and don’t overfill it, so as to minimise rain or hose water splashing into the front. This also allows for quick monitoring — any disturbance will be easy to see at a glance. You will know immediately if a rat or mouse has accessed it, and you can always tip the bait station to get that bait back to the back.