substances used to kill or control rodent populations. They are often formulated as baits to attract rodents, but can also be used in fumigants or other forms. Rodenticides can be broadly categorized as anticoagulants, which prevent blood clotting, or non-anticoagulants, which act in other ways.
- Anticoagulants:These rodenticides work by interfering with blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding and death. Examples include warfarin, brodifacoum, chlorophacinone, and difethialone.
- Non-anticoagulants:These rodenticides act through different mechanisms, such as affecting the nervous system or causing other internal damage. Examples include bromethalin, zinc phosphide, strychnine, and cholecalciferol.
Examples of Rodenticides:
- Warfarin: A common anticoagulant rodenticide that inhibits blood clotting.
- Brodifacoum: A second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide with a higher potency than warfarin.
- Zinc phosphide: An inorganic rodenticide that releases phosphine gas in the stomach, causing death.
- Bromethalin: A single-dose rodenticide that causes death by disrupting brain function.
- Strychnine: A highly toxic substance that affects the nervous system, causing seizures and death.
- Cholecalciferol: A vitamin D3 derivative that can kill rodents by causing a buildup of calcium in the blood.