If adequate ratproofing features were
included in the construction of all new
buildings, the rat problem in this country
would be solved in a comparatively
short time. Information on how to ratproof
buildings and premises is available
in bulletins of the U. S. Department of
Agriculture and of other organizations.
Poisoning offers a quick means of reducing
rat populations, and, properly
considered as a temporary measure in
conjunction with ratproofing as an
eventual permanent measure, it fills an
important place in rat control.
If the rat problem is confined to one
establishment, poisoning operations may
be undertaken by the owner of the particular
property involved, but if it involves
other premises in the neighborhood
or is city-wide, it must be handled
through a neighborhood or city-wide
campaign to obtain satisfactory results.
Since the development of red squill
as a raticide, a poison that will kill
the rats but is relatively harmless to
human beings and domestic animals is
available. Rats usually will eat squill
baits that are properly prepared and
exposed, whereas dogs, cats, poultry,
and pigs either refuse to eat these baits
or promptly vomit them. Valuable
animals should not be allowed access to
squill baits, although the chances of
serious injury to them are comparatively
slight. Nausea and vomiting appear
to be the most serious effects of
red squill on human beings.