Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County For more examples of least-toxic pest controls, jump to the bottom of the page Mouse and rat traps Mouse or rat poison can be dangerous to children or pets that may eat it. Leftover poison is a hazardous waste. Poisoned rats or mice often return to thier nest inside walls or floors and die there. The dead animals smell bad and can be a health risk.
Traps work and are easy to use.
Make sure you buy the right size trap. Rat traps are much bigger than mousetraps. How to use the traps Handle the traps carefully and make sure children can't easily get to set traps. Use several traps at once, the more the better. Put them in places where you have seen rats or mice, or near holes where animals may enter the building.