Used to control mice, pack rats, and small rodent pests when traditional poisons, traps, or pest control agents are unavailable or undesirable.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can be used as a field-expedient rodent bait that’s easy to make, shelf-stable, and far less dangerous to people, animals, and the environment than commercial poisons. When rodents consume baking soda, it reacts with the acids in their stomachs to produce carbon dioxide gas. Because rodents cannot release gas through burping or vomiting, the internal pressure causes fatal internal distress—typically within 24 to 48 hours. This method works best on small rodents like mice and pack rats.
Why It’s Safer Than Conventional Poisons
- Non-toxic to humans, pets, and livestock when used in reasonable quantities
- Does not pose a secondary poisoning risk to scavengers, barn cats, or birds of prey that may consume a dead rodent
- Won’t contaminate feed, bedding, or water like traditional chemical rodenticides can
- Safe around chickens, goats, pigs, and other livestock when placed in controlled bait stations or inaccessible corners
- Can be used in areas where children or working animals are present with far less risk
- Leaves no hazardous residues behind, even if spilled or disturbed
How to Make It
- Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part powdered sugar or flour (acts as an attractant)
- Add a small amount of peanut butter, lard, or oats to form a thick paste or rollable dough
- Shape into small balls or place paste in lids, shallow trays, or corners near rodent signs
- Place near rodent runs, droppings, or nesting areas
- Refresh every few days or if bait has been disturbed
Where and When to Use It
- Inside barns, pantries, cabins, tool sheds, grain storage, or root cellars
- Under equipment or between feed sacks where rodents hide or chew
- In parked vehicles, RVs, or farm machinery to prevent wiring damage
- Along walls, rafters, or other pathways frequently used by mice or pack rats
Warnings
- This bait is intended for rodents only—not effective against raccoons, rats, or other animals that can release gas
- May attract ants or insects if left exposed too long—replace as needed
- Keep bait out of reach of poultry and livestock by placing it behind mesh, in covered jars with access holes, or inside small tubes
- Avoid leaving in areas where food is prepared or stored
- Dead rodents may create odor if they die in walls or hidden spaces—consider using traps or enclosed bait stations indoors to better control where they die
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store baking soda in a tightly sealed, dry container
- Baking soda shelf life is indefinite when kept uncontaminated
- Mixed bait should be replaced every 2–5 days to stay fresh and effective
When to Use It
- To manage rodent activity in supply sheds, barns, and tool storage
- When chemical bait risks harming pets, children, or livestock
- In off-grid, homestead, or low-resource settings where traps or poison are not available
- As a safe long-term rodent control method using pantry-stable materials