Ratsak Naturals 80 g throw packs are ready-to-use bait sachets containing a natural anticoagulant rodenticide (warfarin) designed to kill rats and mice in and around homes. Each 80 g pack is a pre-measured, weather-resistant pouch that you place without opening, making it a convenient option for areas where loose bait might be unsafe or difficult to manage.
What Are Ratsak Naturals Throw Packs?
Ratsak Naturals is a brand of rodenticide made by Yates, a well-known Australian garden and pest-control company. The “Naturals” line uses a different active ingredient and formulation compared to the classic Ratsak products. The 80 g throw pack is a single-use sachet containing a grain-based bait that has been treated with warfarin, an anticoagulant poison that prevents blood from clotting.
The key feature of a throw pack is that you don’t have to open it or measure out the bait. You simply place the whole sachet where rats or mice are active. The rodents gnaw through the paper-like sachet to get at the bait inside. This design keeps the bait contained, which reduces the risk of accidental spillage and makes it easier to handle and dispose of after use.
Ratsak Naturals is marketed as a lower-toxicity option for households, as warfarin is an older-generation anticoagulant that requires multiple feedings to be lethal. This means it is less acutely toxic to pets and children than newer, single-dose rodenticides like brodifacoum or bromadiolone, though it is still a poison and must be used with caution.
How Does Warfarin Work in Rodent Control?
Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist. It blocks the enzyme that recycles vitamin K in the liver, which is necessary for the production of several blood-clotting factors. When a rat or mouse eats the bait, it does not die immediately. Instead, over several days, the animal’s blood loses its ability to clot. The rodent eventually dies from internal bleeding, often 4 to 7 days after consuming a lethal dose.
Because warfarin is a multi-dose poison, the rodent must consume a sufficient amount over one or more feedings. This is why throw packs are left in place for several days, and why you may need to replace them if they are eaten completely. The delayed action is actually a benefit: it prevents the rodent from associating the bait with illness, so it continues to feed until it has ingested a fatal dose.
One important detail is that warfarin resistance has been documented in some rat populations, particularly in the UK and parts of Europe. In Australia, where Ratsak is sold, resistance is less common but still possible. If you have a persistent infestation that does not respond to warfarin, you may need a different active ingredient, such as a second-generation anticoagulant.
How to Use Ratsak Naturals 80 g Throw Packs
Using a throw pack is straightforward, but placement and safety are critical. Follow these steps for best results:
- Identify activity areas: Look for droppings, gnaw marks, grease marks along walls, or runways in the garden, garage, or roof cavity.
- Place the pack unopened: Do not tear or puncture the sachet. The rodents will gnaw through it themselves.
- Position correctly: Put the pack in a spot where the rodent is likely to travel, such as along a wall, behind a fridge, or near a suspected entry point. Ideally, place it inside a bait station to protect it from weather and non-target animals.
- Check and replace: Inspect the pack every 2 to 3 days. If it has been eaten or is empty, replace it. Continue until feeding stops, which indicates the infestation is controlled.
- Dispose of uneaten bait: After the activity has ceased (usually 2 to 4 weeks), pick up any remaining packs and dispose of them in the trash. Do not compost or bury them.
It is not recommended to place throw packs in open areas where pets or children could reach them. Always use a tamper-resistant bait station if there is any risk of accidental access.
Safety and Handling Precautions
Even though warfarin is a first-generation anticoagulant, it is still a poison. The following precautions are essential:
- Keep away from children and pets: Store the packs in a locked cabinet or out of reach. If a pet or child ingests the bait, contact a poison control center or a doctor/veterinarian immediately.
- Wear gloves when handling: The bait can be absorbed through skin, and it may also irritate the eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after placing or removing packs.
- Do not use outdoors in the open: Rain can wash away the bait or make it moldy. The pack itself is weather-resistant, but it is still best to place it in a dry, sheltered spot or a bait station.
- Dispose of dead rodents safely: Wear gloves when picking up carcasses, and double-bag them before putting them in the trash. Do not let pets eat dead rodents, as they could ingest the poison secondarily.
- Antidote: The antidote for warfarin poisoning is vitamin K1, which must be administered by a medical professional. Do not attempt to treat poisoning at home.
Ratsak Naturals is not suitable for use in food storage areas, and you should not place it where it could contaminate food or water sources.
Comparing Ratsak Naturals to Other Ratsak Products
Ratsak offers several other formulations, and it helps to know the difference:
- Ratsak Classic (or Original): Contains the same warfarin active ingredient but is sold as loose grain or pellets. It is cheaper per gram but requires you to measure out the bait and place it in trays or bait stations.
- Ratsak Double Strength: Contains a higher concentration of warfarin, so a smaller amount is needed. It is often sold in blocks or pellets.
- Ratsak Mouse Killer: Specifically formulated for mice, with a different bait matrix and sometimes a different active ingredient (e.g., brodifacoum).
- Ratsak One Shot (or Fast Action): Uses a second-generation anticoagulant like brodifacoum, which is lethal after a single feeding. It is more toxic to non-target animals and requires even stricter placement.
The “Naturals” line is a relatively newer addition, marketed as a lower-risk option for households with pets and children. However, “natural” does not mean non-toxic; it simply refers to the use of a naturally occurring compound (warfarin is derived from coumarin, found in sweet clover). Always read the label for the exact active ingredient and concentration.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that a single pack will kill all the rats in a house. In reality, an 80 g pack contains only a small amount of bait, and a single rat may eat only a few grams per day. For a large infestation, you may need multiple packs placed in different locations.
Another issue is that rats may not find the bait if it is placed in the wrong spot. Rats are neophobic—they are wary of new objects in their environment. It may take a few days before they approach the pack. Do not move it around too much; leave it in place and let them get used to it.
Some users report that the bait goes moldy or is ignored. This can happen if the pack is placed in a damp area or if the rats have access to other food sources. Remove other potential food sources (pet food, birdseed, compost) to make the bait more appealing.
Finally, do not expect to see dead rats immediately. The poison takes several days to work, and rats often die in their nests or hidden areas. You may notice a smell for a few days, which is normal.
Cost and Availability
Ratsak Naturals 80 g throw packs are sold in boxes of several packs, typically 4 or 8 per box. Prices vary by retailer, but a box of 4 usually costs around AUD 10–15, and a box of 8 around AUD 20–25. They are widely available in Australian supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths), hardware stores (Bunnings), and online.
Compared to loose bait, throw packs are more expensive per gram, but they offer convenience and reduced mess. For a small infestation, one box is usually enough. For larger problems, you may need multiple boxes, and it might be more economical to buy a larger container of loose bait and use a bait station.
Alternatives to Ratsak Naturals
If you prefer not to use poison, there are other methods:
- Snap traps: Traditional wooden or plastic traps are effective and allow you to see the result. They require checking and resetting, but they are reusable.
- Live traps: Catch rats and release them far from your home, but be aware that this may be illegal in some areas, and released rats often die anyway.
- Electronic traps: Battery-powered traps deliver a lethal shock. They are clean and easy to use, but more expensive.
- Ultrasonic repellents: These emit high-frequency sounds that are supposed to deter rodents, but their effectiveness is debated and not scientifically proven.
- Professional pest control: For severe infestations, a licensed exterminator can assess the situation and use a range of methods, including baits and exclusion.
If you choose a poison, always follow the label instructions and consider using a bait station to reduce risks to non-target animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Ratsak Naturals to work?
After a rat consumes a lethal dose, it usually dies within 4 to 7 days. The warfarin in the bait takes a few days to deplete the vitamin K stores in the liver, leading to internal bleeding. You may not see dead rats because they often die in their nests or hidden areas.
Can I use Ratsak Naturals outdoors?
Yes, but with caution. The throw pack is weather-resistant, but it is best to place it in a sheltered spot or inside a bait station to protect it from rain and to prevent non-target animals from accessing it. Do not place it where it could contaminate water or food.
Is Ratsak Naturals safe for pets?
No. Even though warfarin is a first-generation anticoagulant with a lower acute toxicity, it is still poisonous to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests the bait, it can suffer from internal bleeding and may die without prompt veterinary treatment. Always place the packs in areas inaccessible to pets, and use a bait station if necessary.
What should I do if my child eats a throw pack?
Contact a poison control center or seek medical help immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional. The doctor may administer vitamin K1 as an antidote. Keep the product packaging or label for reference.
Can rats become resistant to warfarin?
Yes, warfarin resistance has been documented in some rat populations, particularly in the UK and parts of Europe. If you have used warfarin baits repeatedly without success, you may need to switch to a second-generation anticoagulant like brodifacoum, which is more potent and has a lower risk of resistance.
How many throw packs do I need for a rat infestation?
It depends on the size of the infestation. For a small problem, one or two packs may be enough. For a larger infestation, you may need to place several packs in different areas. A good rule of thumb is to place one pack every 5–10 meters along known rat runways. Monitor and replace them as they are eaten.
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