What is lethal to rats? - briefly
Anticoagulant rodenticides such as «brodifacoum», «bromadiolone» or «warfarin» induce fatal internal hemorrhage in rats, while high‑dose zinc phosphide and sodium fluoroacetate act as rapid‑acting poisons. Both categories are widely used for lethal control of rodent populations.
What is lethal to rats? - in detail
Lethal agents for rodents fall into chemical, biological, and physical categories, each with distinct mechanisms and regulatory considerations.
Anticoagulant rodenticides interfere with vitamin K recycling, preventing blood clotting and leading to internal hemorrhage. First‑generation compounds (warfarin, chlorophacinone) require multiple feedings; second‑generation agents (bromadiolone, difenacoum) achieve mortality after a single dose.
Bromethalin disrupts mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, causing rapid energy depletion in nervous tissue and resulting in paralysis and death.
Zinc phosphide releases phosphine gas upon contact with gastric acid; phosphine inhibits cellular respiration, producing systemic toxicity.
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) induces hypercalcemia, calcifying soft tissues and impairing cardiac function.
Metal phosphides (aluminum phosphide) generate phosphine similarly to zinc phosphide but possess higher volatility, demanding strict handling protocols.
Biological toxins include rodent‑specific viruses (e.g., rat coronavirus) and bacterial exotoxins (e.g., Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin); these are employed experimentally and are not widely available for pest control.
Physical methods comprise snap traps, which cause instantaneous spinal injury, and electric traps delivering high‑voltage pulses to induce cardiac arrest. CO₂ chambers produce asphyxiation by displacing oxygen, while humane euthanasia devices employ captive‑bolt or cervical dislocation techniques under veterinary supervision.
Effectiveness depends on species susceptibility, bait acceptance, and resistance development. Anticoagulant resistance, documented in several Rattus populations, necessitates rotation of active ingredients and integration of non‑chemical measures.
Regulatory frameworks (e.g., EPA, EU Biocidal Products Regulation) classify rodenticides by acute toxicity, mandating labeling, restricted access, and disposal procedures to protect non‑target wildlife and humans.
Selection of a lethal approach should balance rapidity of action, target specificity, resistance risk, and compliance with local legislation.