7 Best Mouse Poisons: The Most Effective Way to Get Rid of Them Once and for All

We picked the best options on the market, from those killing mice in no time to pet-friendly ones.
By
Phyllis McMahon
Phyllis McMahon
Research Writer
Phyllis teaches English Literature at a local college and loves writing in her free time. She’s also a great cook – her British beef Wellington is something the best res read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Chas Kempf
Chas Kempf
Expert Consultant
Chas works in a professional pest control company and knows all the nuances of this job. Also, he’s a fantastic tennis player and loves to organize BBQ parties for his fam read more
Last updated: August 23, 2023
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There are multiple ways of getting rid of a mouse infestation completely. Mouse poison is one of the best effective ways of killing mice. However, you may have a hard time choosing the best to tackle your infestation from the sea of options available. We have compiled a list of the best mouse poisons to help you make the best-informed choice.

To create the product list, we considered a few crucial aspects like active ingredients, dosage, shelf-life, volume, effectiveness, and working time. These parameters determine the mouse poisons’ ease of use, safety, and effectiveness. We also included several options that are safe for pets and children. Read on to see if we have something you are looking for.

Quick Summary

  • "This is a perfect option for anyone with kids and pets because it is tamper-proof. Good for indoor and outdoor. Kills up to 3 rats per bait. Weather-resistant station and baits."
  • "This option comes in a large tamper-proof 9-pound pack that can last you several years. Peanut butter flavor. Good for indoor use. 144 x 1 oz. blocks in a pack."
  • "This is the ultimate weather-resistant option resistant to moisture and mold and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. 4-pound pack with 1.5 oz. bait chunks. Kills in 4–6 days. High human-grade ingredients."
  • "This option compares favorably with most mouse poisons because it kills mice and other small rodents faster. 8 x 1-pound blocks. Made with grains and seeds. Indoor use."
  • "These chunks can be used with or without a bait station and are good for indoors and outdoors. 64 x 2oz. chunks. Nibble ridges to promote chewing. Center mounting hole for use in bait stations."
  • Best Single-Feed Mouse Poison: Contrac Blox Rodent Control Rodenticide
    "This poison comes in a large bucket that can last you long and is highly effective. Works well in wet and dry conditions. Single blocks with a center hole. 18-pound volume."
  • "These nuggets are a blood thinner that makes mice thirsty and forces them to leave their hiding spot. Fish-flavored nuggets. 4.2-pound 45-pack option. Weather-resistant without the use of wax."

Top 7 Moise Poisons Review 2024

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9.5
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9.4
9.9
Features
  • Type: refillable station with block baits
  • Use: indoor and outdoor
  • Active ingredient: Bromethalin (0.01%)
  • Volume: 2.08 oz. (15 baits included)

More features: kid- and pet-resistant station; kills up to 3 rats per bait; weather-resistant

Tomcat is one of the most trusted brands in the mouse poison industry, and it tops our list because of its effectiveness and ease of use. The mouse poison lives up to the brand’s motto, stating that its products are tougher than a barnyard cat for controlling rats and mice. It is incredibly easy to use as each bait features a see-through window for easy monitoring. Therefore, you will always know when to refill the bait stations.

The Tomcat mouse poison package comes with 15 individual 2-ounce packs that offer great value. Moreover, the poison is made with human-grade food ingredients and flavor enhancers that will easily persuade rodents to have a bite which will eventually lead to several other bites. The poison’s active ingredient is Bromethalin which kills mice in less than five days. Each bait block can kill up to 3 rats. All considered, the Tomcat mouse poison is a perfect option for anyone with kids and pets because it is tamper-proof. You can use it indoors and outdoors by easily placing the baits in small places like doors, below windows, and other areas where rodents hide.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Highly effective
  • Easy to use
  • Excellent value for money
  • Usable indoors and outdoors
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • High-grade food ingredients are costlier
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8494 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.7
Features
  • Type: bait blocks
  • Use: indoor
  • Active ingredient: Diphacinone (0.005%)
  • Volume: 9 lbs (144 x 1 oz. blocks)

More features: peanut butter flavor; 1-year limited warranty

The JT Eaton bait block is our best value pick because its unique composition makes it highly effective, and multiple packs that can last you a long while. It contains Diphacinone as the active ingredient, and its 0.005% concentration is enough to kill small rodents. The multiple feed bait mouse poison has good weather resistance, but you have to change it often in extremely hot and wet weather.

Although it is of premium quality, JT Eaton kills after a few days, just like other mouse poisons. Its main distinguishing feature is the peanut butter flavor that attracts mice. The mouse poison also compares favorably with other models within its range because in a large 9-pound pack that can last you several years. The entire package comes with 144 smaller packs that are about an ounce each. The packs are tamper-proof, thus safe for kids and pets, and you can re-seal them. The only downside of JT Eaton is that it has a slower kill rate. It will kill mice after seven days. Overall, the poison is ideal for anyone looking for a multiple-feed bait with excellent value for money.

    What are its best features?
  • Great peanut butter flavor
  • Easy to use
  • Tamper-proof
  • Multiple packs can last you years
    What could be improved?
  • It takes seven days to kill mice
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4456 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.6
Features
  • Type: bait blocks
  • Use: indoor and outdoor
  • Active ingredient: Diphacinone (0.005%)
  • Volume: 4 lbs (1.5 oz. bait chunks)

More features: kills in 4–6 days; mold- and moisture-resistant

We couldn’t get enough of Tomcat, and here is another one of its effective gems. The Tomcat bait chunx is one of the best all-weather mouse bait blocks in the market. It comes in either a four or 9-pounds container with bait chunks of about 1.5 ounces. The poison contains Diphacinone as the active ingredient and is, therefore, a multi-feeding mouse poison.

The Tomcat 4lb All-Weather Bait Chunx is the ultimate weather-resistant option. It is resistant to moisture and mold, and you can use it both indoors and outdoors. Just like Tomcat claims that its products are tougher than a barnyard cat in controlling mice, this bait chunx has an effective formula that can help you get rid of an entire infestation. What’s more, the poison is made with human-grade ingredients and flavors to attract the mice to have a bite. Within 4 to 6 days, the mice in your home will be dead. The bait chunx is pretty similar to the Tomcat rat and mouse killer refillable station above in terms of effectiveness. However, the bait chunx is better if you have a larger infestation.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Weather-resistant
  • Highly effective
  • High human-grade ingredients
  • Great for indoor and outdoor use
    What could be better?
  • There is false advertising that it contains Bromadiolone
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9193 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.4
Features
  • Type: bait cake blocks
  • Use: indoor
  • Active ingredient: Bromadiolone (0.005%)
  • Volume: 8 x 1 lbs

More features: made with grains and seeds; peanut butter smell

Just one bite II is an industry-leading brand in the mice killing business. It is a top favorite for many because it kills different species of small rodents with a single feeding. The high-grade mouse poison contains Bromadiolone as the active ingredient, which is popularly known to be a quick mouse killer.

The Just One Bite II compares favorably with most mouse poisons because it kills mice and other small rodents faster. Also, it works perfectly well with or without bait stations. It comes in an 8-pound package with 64 pieces of poison that are about two ounces. Each poison chunk features a hole in the center for mounting the Just one bite II bait station. The poison is made with grains and seeds and an attractive peanut butter smell that entices mice to have just one bite. You can use it in and around the house, but you cannot use it outdoors because it is not weather-resistant. Further, the poison’s large quantity makes it a perfect option for apartment dwellers or office owners with a large infestation.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Package contains large quantity of poison
  • Fast killer
  • Poison chunks have convenient nibble ridges
  • Can work with or without bait traps
  • Easy to use
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Can be ineffective if other food sources are available
  • Meant for indoors use only
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4423 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.2
Features
  • Type: bait chunks
  • Use: indoor and outdoor
  • Active ingredient: Bromadiolone (0.005%)
  • Volume: 64 x 2oz. chunks

More features: nibble ridges to promote chewing; center mounting hole for use in bait stations

Yet another fantastic mouse poison by Just One Bite. The Farnam bait chunks is a strong mouse poison that offers excellent value for money. It is highly effective yet affordable. The poison has Bromadiolone as its main ingredients, and thus kills after a single bite. The mice in your home will not have time to suspect they are being poisoned as one bite is enough to affect their organs.

The Farnam bait chunks are our best easy-to-use pick because you can use them with or without a bait station. It is almost identical with the Just One Bite II mouse poison above. It also comes in an 8-pounds package with 64, 2-ounce bait chunks. The poison also has nibble ridges to promote chewing and a hole in the center of each chunk for mounting on bait stations. The only difference between Just One Bite II and Farnam is that the latter is meant for both indoors and outdoors use. The manufacturer highly recommends it for outhouses and agricultural use.

    What makes it special?
  • Effective single bite
  • Great value for money
  • Easy to use
  • Can be used with or without a bait station
    What cons did we find?
  • Not the best to use around pests because it can kill anything that eats it
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2193 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.0
6
Best Single-Feed Mouse Poison

Contrac Blox Rodent Control Rodenticide

Features
  • Type: bait blocks
  • Use: Indoor and outdoor
  • Active ingredient: Bromadiolone (0.005%)
  • Volume: 18 lbs

More features: works well in wet and dry conditions; blocks with a center hole

The Contrac Blox rodent control is one of the best single-feed rodenticides on the market. It is weather-resistant and can therefore be used both indoors and outside. Bromadiolone is the active ingredient in the poison, hence its high effectiveness. The rodenticide is strong enough to kill even Warfarin resistant Norway rats.

The Contrac Blox poison comes in an 18-pound package with bait blocks that have a hold in the center for mounting slender rods inside bait boxes. You can do without the bait boxes, but they help prevent mice from dragging it back to their lair. If you notice the bait has not been eaten after 40 or more days, you can change it. In the hot summer months, you will need to change it more often. Compared to other mouse poisons on this list, the Contrac Blox is a better single feed poison because it comes in a large bucket that can last you long and is highly effective.

    What stands out?
  • Comes in large quantities
  • Weather-resistant
  • Single-feed
  • Easy to use
  • Kills Warfarin-resistant mice and rats
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Dangerous to use around kids and pets.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3224 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
8.9
Features
  • Type: nuggets
  • Use: Indoor and outdoor
  • Active ingredient: Diphacinone (0.005%)
  • Volume: 4.2 lbs (45-pack)

More features: weather-resistant without the use of wax; fish-flavored

Ramik Green is one of Neogen’s most loved mouse poisons. It is incredibly easy to use as you only need to toss the nuggets in an enclosed place where kids and pets can’t reach. The poison has an all-weather composition that makes it a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor use.

The Ramik Green poison comes in a 4.2-pound pail that contains 45 small packs of bait that you can use all over your home to get rid of a mice infestation. The baits have a fish-based flavor and proteins to attract mice. The best thing about the poison is that it is a blood thinner that makes mice thirsty and forces them to leave their hiding spot in search of water. This means they are likely to die outside the home saving you from a messy cleanup or terrible odors. The Ramik Green poison is suitable for anyone with a large rat or mice infestation in the entire home. The only downside with the nuggets bait is that mice may take them and store them for later, and so you may not see results for a week or longer. If you need a quicker killing option, go for the highly effective single-feed Neogen Havoc 116372 or any of the single-feed options on this list.

    What are its best features?
  • Large enough to take out a massive infestation
  • Attractive fish-flavored formula
  • Easy to use
  • Weather-proof
    What could be improved?
  • Does not come in a tamper-proof container

Things to Consider

Mice reproduce at a very first-rate. Therefore, it is essential to get the right control measures from the moment you notice you have an infestation. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), droppings, stale smells, nesting material and signs of chewing are the main signs of rodent infestation to look out for. This section contains all the information you need to know before buying mouse poison.

How to Pick the Best Mouse Poison for Your Needs

Here are the most crucial factors to consider when choosing mouse poison to make the best buy.

Type and Shape

7 Best Mouse Poisons: The Most Effective Way to Get Rid of Them Once and for All
Mouse poison comes in different forms, and the chunks with holes in them can be used in refillable bait stations

According to Science Direct, there are different types of mouse poisons available across the world with different levels of toxicity. Most of them work in a similar way, where the mice are baited to eat the poison thinking it is regular food. Anticoagulants are the most common type of mouse poison. It causes internal bleeding in the rodent until it dies. Another type of mouse poison is metal phosphides. These calcify the rodent’s insides until it dies.

Mouse poisons come in different forms including pellets, nuggets, and chunks. Refillable bait stations are used with pellets, but you can use pellets without bait stations.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

Some mouse poisons like the Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx are weather-resistant and thus can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you have an infestation in your farm, or garage, then you should get a weather-resistant poison that will remain effective when left outdoors for long.

Active Ingredients

The active ingredient in a mouse poison determines how the poison kills the mouse.

Anticoagulants: these are the most commonly used mouse poisons. According to NCBI, they kill the mouse by causing continuous internal bleeding for about six to seven days until they succumb. Anticoagulants are dangerous for pets and children and can cause injury or death to anything that ingests them.

Acute toxins: These include Bromethaline and Zinc phosphide. Bromethalin works by interfering with mitochondrial function in the mouse’s cells. Zinc phosphide is majorly used in the agricultural industry and is rarely available for residential use. It works by affecting the digestive system of the rodent, making it swell up until it dies. All acute toxins act quickly and can kill mice within 24 hours.

Calcium releasers: these work by releasing excess calcium into the mouse’s bloodstream. In one to three days, the excess calcium will slowly calcify the mouse’s cardiovascular system and arteries leading to death.

Dosage: Single Feed or Multiple Feed

Mouse poison manufacturers include adequate information about the poison’s usage and the correct amount required to kill mice. There are two dosage categories for mouse poisons.

Single-dose poisons: these are highly potent and ideal if you only have one or two mice in your home. A single-dose poison will help you head off an infestation, but it is highly lethal and pose a higher safety risk if you have kids or pets. You must ensure no accidental ingestion occurs.

Multiple-dose poisons: these have a lower toxicity and lethality level than single dose mouse poisons. Therefore, they are ideal for managing infestations in households with kids or pets.

Effectiveness and Working Time

Working time is the amount of time a poison takes to kill a mouse. It varies across different mouse poisons with different active ingredients. Before choosing a mouse poison, check the manufacturer’s directions on working time on the label.

Acute toxins like Bromethaline and Zinc phosphide can kill a mouse within 24 hours of ingesting the poison. Calcium releasers take about one to three days to kill a mouse. Anticoagulants take about six to seven days to kill a mouse after it has eaten a lethal amount of the poison.

Volume

The amount of poison you will need depends on the frequency and size of infestation, and the size of the affected area. Mouse poison chunks like the Farnam Just One Bite II Bait Chunks and pellets come in a wide range of sizes, from as small as 3-ounce packages to large pails weighing up to 18 pounds. Bait stations come in single or multi-pack options, and they can range from one station to multiple building treatments with up to 20 disposable bait traps in a pack.

What Is Included in the Pack

7 Best Mouse Poisons: The Most Effective Way to Get Rid of Them Once and for All
Depending on your needs, you can get a big pack of mouse poison or a complete set with poison and a refillable station included

You have to consider what the poison comes with. Some mouse poison pellets and chunks come with a bait station while others don’t. A mouse poison like Tomcat Rat and Mouse killer refill station comes with everything you need to administer it, giving you great value for money. You should also ensure the manufacturer’s directions on how to use the poison is included for you to get the correct dosage and safety measures.

Shelf Life

You have to ensure the mouse poison has a long shelf life, especially if you buy it in large amounts. Some mouse poisons like the JT Eaton 709-PN Bait Block have a warranty cover.

How to Use Mouse Poison and Keep Your Pets and Children Safe?

According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), following the instructions on the poison’s label is the first step in using it safely. Other simple measures you can take to reduce the safety risk of using mouse poison include;

  • Get a pest control expert to help you get rid of the infestation.
  • Store the mouse poison away from children and pets.
  • Ensure you have thoroughly cleaned areas in which you have used the mouse poison before letting children play in its surroundings.
  • Dispose of dead rodents as soon as you spot them.
  • Use bait stations instead of placing mouse poison pellets and chunks out in the open where a child or pet can pick and ingest. If you are in the market for bait stations and have no idea where or what to look for, check out our article on the best rat bait stations.

You can also use alternative ways of getting rid of mice like the best outdoor rat traps or the best electronic mouse traps to reduce the safety risks of mouse poisons.

FAQ

Are mouse poisons deadly for pets?

Yes. All types of mouse poisons should be used carefully and stored away from pets because they are toxic and lethal.

Can I use mouse poison outdoors?

Some mouse poisons are weather-proof and can be used in the outdoors. Check the label to ensure the poison is meant for outdoors use before using it.

How long does it take a poison to kill a mouse?

The working time of a poison depends on its active ingredients. Acute toxins like Bromethaline and Zinc Phosphide take only 24 hours to kill a mouse while anticoagulants and calcium releasers take as long as 3 to 7 days to kill a mouse.

Will a poison kill a cat if the cat eats the mouse that has consumed the bait?

Some mouse poisons with high toxicity levels can cause secondary injury and death to anything that ingests a poisoned mouse. Others cannot, but to be safe, ensure you quickly dispose of dead mice for the safety of your pets.

Our verdict

Mouse poisons are an effective way of getting rid of an infestation. With all the hints and tips on this guide, finding the best mouse poison should not be a hassle. Our product list has the best brands, popular for their effectiveness and ease of use. Our top pick, Tomcat rat and mouse killer refillable station is the best rat and mouse poison that money can buy. It is super-easy to use, safer, and offers excellent value for money. Our premium choice, the JT Eaton 709-PN Bait Block is the best mouse bait poison for your small indoor infestation.

Our third option, the Tomcat 4lb All-Weather Bait Chunx is the best all-weather mouse poison for your outdoors infestation. The fourth choice, Just One Bite II is the best single-feed mouse poison ideal for anyone with one or two mice in the house. The Contrac Blox Rodent Control Rodenticide is the ultimate single-feed mouse poison for outdoors and indoors use. It is also pet-friendly if you use it with a bait station.

References

1.
Rodenticides
Topic Fact Sheet.
2.
Rodenticide Toxicity - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Rodenticides or “rat poisons” are mixed compounds used to eradicate rodents. They are one of the most toxic agents commonly found in households. Historically, heavy metals such as arsenic were the first agents used to control rodent populations, but the most common rodenticide used in the twenty-first century is anticoagulants.
3.
Identify and Prevent Rodent Infestations | US EPA
Information on signs of rat or mouse infestation and how to discourage rats and mice from taking up residence on your property.
4.
Rodenticides
There are hundreds of rodenticides available throughout the world with variable toxicity. Rodenticides are implicated in self-harm attempts, malicious poisonings, and accidental ingestions.
9,9
Total Score
Tomcat Rat & Mouse Killer Refillable Station - Editor’s Choice
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