Zinc Phosphide

When it comes to rodents like rats and mice and even pocket gophers, a worry often arises that a rodenticide may not be effective due to resistance. This often results in manufacturers and developers going back to the drawing board to come up with new formulas that mitigate the resistance affects and increase the power of poisons so that rodents are killed much quicker.

One such poison which is regarded as the world’s most toxic rat poison is the active ingredient called Zinc Phosphide. Because of it's high toxicity Zinc Phosphate products are restricted use products and require a license to purchase them.

Solutions Pest & Lawn is proud to carry products containing Zinc Phosphide. On this page, we will give you an overview of zinc phosphide, why it works so effectively and present to you the top zinc phosphide based products we have in stock for you to shop.

What is Zinc Phosphide?

Zinc Phosphide is an active ingredient that is a combination of Phosphorus and Zinc and is commonly used in a number of rodenticide baits. When ingested by a rodent, the stomach acid turns the Zinc Phosphide into Phosphine which is a highly toxic gas that becomes lethal to the target pest. 

Zinc phosphide is used to control rats, mice, voles, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, nutria, muskrats, feral rabbits and gophers. The chemical is also utilized as tracking powder for the control of house mice. It is used on both agricultural lands and non-crop lands such as lawns, golf courses, highway medians, and areas in close proximity to wetlands. 

How Does Zinc Phosphide Work?

Mode of Action

Zinc Phosphide works as a lethal rodenticide which poisons target rodents by exposing them to Phosphine gas. When consumed by either an animal or even a human, the acid in the stomach chemically transforms the Zinc Phosphide into toxic Phosphine gas. Baits containing Zinc Phosphide are especially effective against rodents that do not have the ability to vomit (rats, mice, and rabbits).

The Phosphine in the stomach moves into the body's cells and halts the cells from producing energy resulting in the cells dying. Zinc phosphide affects all cells in the body but especially targets vital cells in the heart, lungs, and liver.

Benefits of Zinc Phosphide

Zinc Phosphide is an effective rodenticide that works exceptionally fast to kill invading rodents. Products containing zinc phosphide are used heavily in agricultural settings to control the rodent population and keep them from damaging crops. Zinc phosphide-based baits have a strong, garlicky odor that attracts rodents but makes the bait unattractive to other non-targeted animals.

Use Zinc Phosphide products when you have a rodent infestation that you want to be eliminated quickly. 

Drawbacks of Zinc Phosphide

Products containing Zinc Phosphide are highly toxic so extra care has to be taken so non-intended targets do not consume the bait. Most products are considered restricted use so you need an applicator's license.

Is Zinc Phosphide Safe?

While highly toxic, Zinc Phosphide is safe to use when applied according to label directions. It is highly recommended to wear personal protective equipment required to lessen the risks of inhaling, ingesting or coming in contact with the skin. The minimum PPE suggested when handling strychnine based products includes chemical resistant gloves, eye protection, and dust masks.

An additional safety measure is to place baits in a tamper-resistant bait station to keep the bait from being tampered with by pets, non-target animals and children.

What To Expect

Zinc Phosphide works quickly with the target animal succumbing to the active ingredient's toxicity between 15 minutes to 4 hours following the consumption of a toxic dose. The initial effects of consuming Zinc Phosphide is loss of appetite and then escalates to convulsions, paralysis and eventual death.

Featured Products

Wilco Zinc Phosphide Gopher Bait - Wilco Zinc Phosphide Gopher Bait is a restricted use pesticide (RUP) for use by licensed individuals only. It is a single-feed toxin used to control gophers and various other rodents. It can be applied to protect areas like vineyards, orchards, and groves.

ZP Tracking Powder - ZP Tracking Powder is a rodenticide that is regulated for indoor use, in areas where other methods of eliminating house mice have failed. This powder is ingested by the mouse, killing them with a single dose.