What is rat poisoning called? - briefly
The chemicals used to kill rats are called rodenticides, commonly referred to as rat poison.
What is rat poisoning called? - in detail
The chemical agents used to eliminate rodents are commonly referred to as rodenticides. In professional literature they are classified by mechanism of action: anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, bromadiolone, brodifacoum), neurotoxins (e.g., bromethalin, zinc phosphide), metal phosphides (e.g., aluminum phosphide), and acute toxicants such as strychnine.
Anticoagulant rodenticides interfere with vitamin K recycling, causing fatal hemorrhage after a few days of ingestion. First‑generation compounds (warfarin, chlorophacinone) require multiple doses; second‑generation agents (bromadiolone, difenacoum, brodifacoum) are effective after a single feeding due to higher potency and longer biological half‑life.
Neurotoxic formulations act on the central nervous system. Bromethalin disrupts mitochondrial function, leading to cerebral edema, while zinc phosphide releases phosphine gas in the acidic stomach environment, producing rapid respiratory failure.
Metal phosphides, primarily aluminum phosphide, generate phosphine gas upon contact with moisture, a highly toxic vapor used in grain storage facilities.
Regulatory agencies label these products with specific identifiers: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists them under the category “Rodenticide” with a unique registration number; the European Union uses the classification “Pesticide – Rodenticide” and assigns an active substance code (e.g., EP‑123456).
Safety measures include secondary‑containment bait stations, personal protective equipment for applicators, and proper disposal of dead rodents to prevent secondary poisoning of non‑target wildlife.
Understanding the terminology and classification of these substances is essential for effective pest management, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.