When the mouse eats baking soda, it begins to interact with the hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the mouse’s stomach. This chemical reaction is identical to the one you see in a school science volcano.
In a human, the resulting carbon dioxide is simply expelled, while in mice, it accumulates in the digestive tract. Due to the inability to release the gas, the pressure mounts to the point where the insides are damaged or fatally blocked. It is a fast process but occurs out of sight of the baits as it takes some time for maximum pressure to be attained.
The Alternatives: Plaster of Paris and Salt
Continued on next page:Whereas baking soda is the “kindest” of these homemade methods, another variation involves the use of Plaster of Paris or salt.Rabbits & Rodents
