How does lye kill rats?

Lye, or sodium hydroxide, is a highly caustic substance that can kill rats by causing severe chemical burns to their internal tissues when ingested. When rats consume lye, it reacts with water in their bodies, leading to the destruction of their digestive tract and other vital organs. This process can result in severe pain, dehydration, and ultimately death. However, using lye as a rodenticide is highly dangerous and not recommended due to its hazardous nature.