Safe use of products to eradicate rats, mice and similar domestic pests
We want to help you stay safe when you use over-the-counter pest control products.
We want to help you stay safe when you use over-the-counter pest control products.
14 November 2017
This Notice sets out good practice measures for householders using over-the-counter harmful products to eradicate rats, mice and other similar pests around the home. Such products are widely used, and it is important users remain alert to the dangers they can present, and take measures to overcome them.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) sets the rules for the use of hazardous substances and new organisms under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 by assessing the environmental and economic risks and benefits to New Zealanders and the environment.
We have approved for sale to consumers a range of products designed to kill mice, rats and similar pests around the home. We set controls for the safe use of these products. Over the years, many products have been approved to kill rats and mice, and they contain different active ingredients.
For that reason, various controls have been specified over the years, according to the nature of each individual product and best practice at the time. We have issued this Caution Notice to outline best practice approaches today.
These products may come in the form of pastes, pellets, or blocks. They are poisonous, and can be harmful to human, animal, aquatic and bird life. The safety of children, pets, and people who may chance across these substances in an uncontrolled situation, is of particular concern. The products may also harm the environment, especially waterways. Some products contain a bittering agent, aimed at deterring non-target animals and children from ingesting them. This is usually noted on the product label. Such products remain attractive to rats and mice.
Chemical products designed to kill household pests such as rats and mice are harmful, and caution and judgment should be exercised when handling, using, storing and disposing of them. We may consider reviewing the controls currently in place to protect people, animals and the environment from harm. Meanwhile, this Caution Notice provides common sense safety tips for consumers.
It is a way that we can alert consumers to dangers posed by particular hazardous substances. As a proactive regulator, we want to advise the public of hazards and provide common sense guidance about how to stay safe and protect the environment. We want to be in constant communication with the public in this way.
It’s the first time we’ve issued a Caution Notice, but we’ve always communicated with consumers as safety issues arise, via our website epa.govt.nz, Facebook page, @epa Safer Homes, and media releases. This is just a sharper form of communication.
Fortunately, there have been very few reported incidents, with fewer than 10 recorded over the past four years. There may be some instances that go unreported, but the EPA’s Caution Notice is motivated by wanting to promote, maintain and enhance consumer safety. It is not a response to any surge in incidents.
To apply common sense and follow the good practice safety measures outlined in the EPA’s Caution Notice.