The ideal rodenticide was first described by Gutteridge in 1972. Chronic in their mode of action, the anticoagulants act by interrupting the vitamin K cycle in liver microsomes. Resistance to 1st generation anticoagulants has been noted. 2nd generation anticoagulants are available. Of primary importance, rodenticides must be safe to use in proximity to the public, for the operator and the non target environment in general.
Efficacy is an important operational and commercial concern.
It is affected by factors such as dose, spectrum of activity and palatability.