Carbon Monoxide for Rodent Control

The combination carbon monoxide for rodent control may seem a bit forced, but the use of carbon monoxide devices for rodent control is growing throughout the country. There are several reasons for the growth in the use of carbon monoxide for control of rodents. Let me list a few.

1. Carbon monoxide devices are not regulated by the EPA. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulates the use pesticides in the United States. But the EPA does not regulate devices. Therefore, pest control operators (PCOs) and wildlife control operators (WCOs) do not need to obtain licenses to use carbon monoxide machines to control rodents. Now states can regulate devices but to my knowledge, none have done so as of January 2021. Colorado regulates how close these devices can be used to occupied structures but does not require a license to use the devices.

   

2. Carbon monoxide doesn’t cause secondary poisoning. More and more customers are concerned about the secondary poisoning risks of traditional anticoagulant rodenticides. They are worried (often with a concern greater than the evidence permits) that their free-range cat or dog or that of the neighbors will eat poisoned rodents and get sick or possibly die. Carbon monoxide leaves no residual in the animals it kills. So if a dog or cat eats a rodent killed by carbon monoxide it will not be harmed by the carbon monoxide. Now the dog or cat may get sick from something else (wildlife carry various diseases that may affect your pet) but it won’t be from the carbon monoxide treatment.
3. There are various devices available. Make no mistake, the easier you make it to do something the more likely that something will be done. Same is true for carbon monoxide devices. Manufacturers have created carbon monoxide devices with different features and price points. Products include, Pressurized Exhaust Rodent Control, Burrow Rx, Rascal Eliminator, and The Cheetah. There could be others.

Carbon monoxide for rodent control is here to stay as long as regulators don’t regulate the convenience out of the technique. While carbon monoxide for rodent control has many benefits, there are several disadvantages. But that is a story for a future blog.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.