Anticoagulant rodenticides are commonly used by professional pest controllers to tackle rat and mouse infestations. But choosing the right product is only part of the job. How and where it's used matters just as much.
This guide covers the basics of anticoagulant rodenticides, from understanding the different products to planning, monitoring and finishing a treatment safely.
How Do Anticoagulant Rodenticides Work?
Anticoagulants interfere with the body's ability to clot blood. Once a rodent has consumed a sufficient amount, internal bleeding develops, usually resulting in death several days later.
Although they work in a similar way, different active ingredients vary in strength, how long they remain in the body and how effective they are against resistant rodents.
Which Anticoagulants Are Used in the UK?
Common second-generation anticoagulant ingredients include:
Difenacoum
Bromadiolone
Brodifacoum
Flocoumafen
Difethialone
Each has different restrictions, so always check the product label before use.
Where Can Anticoagulants Be Used?
Indoors
Some products are approved for indoor use only. This doesn't automatically include open barns, outdoor bait stations or buildings that rodents can freely enter from outside. Check the label's definition.
In and Around Buildings
Other products can be used in buildings and certain surrounding areas where rodents are causing problems. Exactly where you can place bait depends on the product.
Open Areas
Open areas include fields, parks and other spaces away from buildings. Since January 2025, second-generation anticoagulant baits are no longer authorised for use away from buildings in the UK.
Whatever the location, always follow the product label and current UK guidance.
Planning Your Rodenticide Treatment
A successful treatment starts with understanding the site. Before placing any bait, take time to look at where rodents are active, what they're feeding on and how they're getting into the building.
Start with a Site Survey
Look for droppings, gnaw marks, runs and burrows. Identify food sources, entry points and areas where rodents may be sheltering.
Think about what could be changed to make the site less attractive to rodents, such as securing food, improving waste storage and sealing gaps.
Consider the Risks
Think about who or what could come into contact with the bait, including children, pets and wildlife. Rodents that have eaten anticoagulants can also pose a risk to predators and scavengers.
Complete the necessary risk assessments, including COSHH where required, and choose a treatment method suited to the site.
Keep Good Records
Make a simple site plan showing where bait is placed. Record the product used, bait quantities, rodent activity and anything that changes during treatment.
Keep the Customer Informed
Explain where bait will be placed, what precautions are needed and what to do if someone finds disturbed bait or a dead rodent.
Placing and Checking Bait
Use Suitable Bait Stations
Choose bait stations or other label-permitted methods that allow rodents access while helping keep bait away from children, pets and wildlife.
Check Bait Regularly
Follow the label for inspection intervals and bait quantities. At each visit, check for signs of activity, replenish bait where appropriate and remove dead rodents or spilled bait safely.
What If Treatment Isn't Working?
If rodents are still active after the expected treatment period, investigate why. They may have access to other food, be avoiding bait or show resistance to the active ingredient.
Rather than automatically switching to a stronger product, review the site and treatment plan. Follow current label instructions and CRRU guidance.
Store Products Safely
Keep rodenticides in secure storage, following the product label and preventing access by children, animals and unauthorised people.
Finishing a Rodenticide Treatment
Once the infestation is under control, it's important to finish the job properly. Check every bait point, update your records and remove any remaining bait as required.
Search for dead rodents and remove them safely. Any leftover bait, contaminated materials and rodent bodies should be disposed of according to the product label and relevant waste regulations.
Don't burn or bury rodenticide waste unless this is specifically permitted by the applicable instructions and regulations.
Preventing Future Rodent Problems
Getting rid of an infestation is one thing. Helping to stop rodents returning is just as important.
Once treatment is complete, look at what attracted the rodents in the first place and recommend practical improvements, such as:
Sealing gaps and potential entry points.
Keeping food and animal feed securely stored.
Removing rubbish and clutter.
Cutting back vegetation that provides shelter.
Improving waste management and hygiene.
Checking regularly for new signs of activity.
Share these recommendations with the property owner or occupier so they know what they can do to help prevent another infestation.
Using Rodenticides Responsibly
Anticoagulant rodenticides can be an effective part of rodent control, but they need to be used carefully. Always follow the product label, consider non-chemical options and take steps to protect wildlife and other non-target animals.
For more information, visit CRRU UK – Think Wildlife for guidance on responsible rodenticide use.
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