SMALL farmers who cannot afford expensive rat-poisons now have a cheap, natural alternative: A fastgrowing tropical tree, Ghricidia sepium, whose leaves when fermented act as a potent rat-killer (Ceres, Vol 25, No 2). The vermin die of internal bleeding as the toxin reduces production of prothrombin, a blood-clotting agent secreted in the liver.
Gliricidia sepium is not just a ratkiller; its seedlings are considered a delicacy by humans, it serves as an excellent feed for livestock, and can be used as green manure as well.
Links:
[1] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/news/eliminating-rats
[2] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/newspaper/down-earth
[3] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/natural-fertilisers
[4] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/natural-pesticides
[5] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/rodents
[6] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/science-and-technology