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.