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How do I protect my pets while using mole/gopher baits?
Baits for moles and gophers often contain a pesticide called zinc phosphide mixed with other ingredients that smell tasty to the target pest. Unfortunately, dogs and other animals also think the baits smell good.
Whether a gopher or another mammal (your dog, for example) eats the poison, the chemical acts the same inside the body. Stomach acid combines with zinc phosphide, releasing phosphine gas. This gas is highly toxic to rodents and moles, as well as dogs, cats, livestock, and people.
Interesting Fact:
Rodents do not have the ability to vomit. However, dogs and cats that eat the bait can, and often do, vomit to remove the pesticide from their bodies. Be careful around pets that have eaten the bait! Their vomit could contain Phosphine gas, which can sicken anyone close enough to breathe it in.
If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.
Cover the Holes When Baiting for Moles (or Gophers)! Episode 13 - A specialist answers questions about the risks of gopher bait for dogs, and how to keep them from snacking on the bait. Download and Listen, View Transcript - 2:03 min., 3.85MB |
How can I protect my pets when using pesticides? FAQ
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)