I've heard t many horror stories about baits to be comfortable using them, people poisoning their own dogs, etc. to be comfortable using them. The neighbors cats are over here all the time, plus all the wild critters hunting at night, I'll just continue the never-ending battle of rodent control with the old methods. My vet suggested HIGH doses of vit. D but I haven't tried it yet.Maybe he looks like a Zombie Rat now!
Traps are not as effective because rats are very cautious about food and new things with food. It usually takes several days before they try it and when the see it catch one, they know to avoid it.
Liquid poisons do not work that way. They do not have a caution with liquid because we have not been using it long enough.
A trick for the stick bates is to use thin wire through the middle and then put the bait stick out near a track. connect the end that does not have the bait on it to something to secure. Keep the dogs away from it if using outside.