What is a primary difference between anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant rodenticides?

The primary difference between anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant rodenticides lies in their mechanism of action on the rodent's physiology. Anticoagulants specifically target the blood clotting process, disrupting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. This leads to internal bleeding and, ultimately, the death of the rodent. In contrast, non-anticoagulants affect rodents in different ways, such as causing paralysis, poisoning via neurotoxins, or affecting other physiological processes without impacting blood clotting.

This differentiation is crucial because it highlights how each type of rodenticide operates and the implications for use, safety, and resistance management. The specific action of anticoagulants necessitates that rodents consume a lethal dose over time, whereas non-anticoagulants can act much more quickly, leading to immediate effects. Understanding this distinction enables better pest management practices, particularly in choosing the appropriate type of rodenticide for specific situations.