Information in the Jan. 21 article, "Detecting and removing rodents in the home," was informative and educational at the beginning with advice about the habits of rodents, what attracts rodents (open packages of grains and cereals), signs of rodent activity, and dealing with rodent entryways (plugging up exterior and interior holes), etc. The article sensibly recommended using live traps and/or mouse traps that kill them.
Lastly, however, the article advocated the use of poisons called rodenticides. Following this advice could be harmful, toxic and deadly to dogs, cats, birds and other creatures that may eat the contaminated rodents. Using rodenticides could lead to killing pets and spreading poison to waterways and soil. Also, poisoned rodents crawl into your walls, behind cupboards, etc., and rot there, leaving a putrid odor and a decaying carcass.
A good way to deter rodents is to plug holes with steel wool; they will not come anywhere near it. Additionally, you can keep grains and cereals in the freezer or refrigerator to keep pests from reaching it.
Recently, Greg Kessler, a game manager with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, reported on local TV that the most effective way to get rid of rodents is to buy mouse traps that kill quickly. It's the most humane and efficient means of ridding your property of vermin.
So, clean your home, put dog food in the refrigerator at night or immediately after your pet eats, place grains and cereals in the refrigerator, seal holes with caulk or steel wool, and never use poisons known as rodenticides. They kill more than just rodents.
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Barbara Resheske
Lake Nebagamon, Wis.
