How to Legally Label a Rodent Bait Station in California

If you are a property owner or manager, you are probably going to need bait stations at some point. Rodents pose some serious health risks to exposed individuals. When you ignore these contaminants, you risk exposing yourself to several serious and even fatal diseases. Properly labeled bait stations enable you to quickly and efficiently eliminate your rodent infestation. 

These tamper-proof containers contain rodenticides that are engineered to kill mice and rats. In California, you are required to put specific information on rodent bait boxes. These labeling requirements are designed to protect people and animals that may unknowingly stumble upon a bait box. For bait station labels to be compliant with California laws, they need to possess the following terminology:

• The name of the pest control company or the person who placed the bait station
• The contact information for that company (address)
• The common name of the rodenticide bait used
• The Rodenticide’s EPA registration number
• The phrase “Poison – Do Not Touch”
• Signal words, such as “CAUTION: Keep out of the reach of children,” Danger,” or “Warning”

Using Bait Boxes

Bait boxes are used when bait cannot be safely placed. Or, as the EPA says, “treated baits should be placed in locations not accessible to children, pets, wildlife, and domestic animals or in tamper-proof bait boxes.” 

Care should always be taken in the management of these tamper-proof containers. After all, they contain potentially lethal rodenticides. Due to the lethal nature of rodenticides, the EPA requires that bait stations are clearly labeled at all times. 

Proper labeling language helps to prevent accidents and deaths caused by exposure. According to the EPA, a shocking number of children and animals were involved in bait box incidents before specific label language was required. 

Here are some tips and tricks for labeling bait stations:

• Place multiple labels on top of one another. If the top label wears off, there will be plenty of backups on hand.
• Be sure to check off one of the listed rodenticides or else write in your own under “Other”
• When placing multiple bait boxes in a single location, write station numbers on the labels. This will help you keep track of all your bait stations.

Other Bait Station Requirements

Specific label terminology is just one protective measure required by the EPA. Bait boxes must also:

• Resist weather and destruction
• Prohibit entry by dogs and young children
• Can be locked or sealed
• Be anchored
• Contain bait to prevent spillage
• Be unattractive to children
• Clearly display precautionary statements

How Are Bait Station Labels Made

Many printing companies sell rolls of customized bait station labels. These rectangular stickers have strong adhesive backs. They boast clearly printed language and, in many cases, the logo of a pest control company. They are applied directly to the surface of bait stations. 

Rodenticide Restrictions

The EPA has set strict regulations on the use of rodenticides. Bromelthalin, chlorophacinone, and diphacinone are the main components in most consumer bait stations. Rodenticides may be in block, paste, or pellet form. Premade bait stations may contain the aforementioned rodenticides or cholecalciferol, warfarin, or zinc phosphide. All bait station contents should be secured before they are placed. 

Bait Station Maintenance

Take the time to check your bait stations from time to time. You’ll want to revisit stations to top them off with fresh rodenticides. Rodent populations multiply quickly. You can keep them at bay by staying on top of your pest mitigation efforts. 

While you’re topping off your bait boxes, check on the condition of the labels. When bait boxes are placed outside, their labels do not last long. Either peel the damaged label off to reveal a new one, or add a new label. 

Rodent poison is harmful to humans, pets, and wild animals. You must always follow proper precautions when handling these pesticides. All service containers require specific labeling language. You can protect the residents of your building and remain compliant with California laws by developing good labeling habits.