Do Rat Poisons Prevent Odor? The Truth About Rodenticides

Q: Is there a rat poison that keeps the dead rodent from smelling? I heard one contains formaldehyde to preserve the body.

That's a myth. No rodenticide dries out the carcass or contains formaldehyde. Most common poisons cause internal bleeding, making rodents thirsty—they may seek water outside and die there. However, any dead animal will smell to some degree.

I prefer traps because you know exactly where the animal dies and can remove it. Poisoned rodents often die in inaccessible voids. Eventually the carcass dries and the odor fades; use an air freshener in the meantime.