What is the primary active ingredient in most rodenticides?

The primary active ingredient in most rodenticides is anticoagulants. Anticoagulants function by interfering with the normal blood clotting processes in rodents, leading to internal bleeding and ultimately death. This class of rodenticide is widely used because it is effective in controlling rodent populations while allowing for a relatively slow action, which gives the rodent time to return to its nest and die away from the point of application, reducing the likelihood of secondary poisoning to non-target animals.

In contrast, neonicotinoids primarily target insects and are not typically employed as rodenticides. Insect growth regulators are also used in pest control, but they are focused on disrupting the development stages of insects rather than targeting rodents. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals modeled after natural pyrethrins and are commonly used against a variety of pests but are not classified as rodenticides. Hence, anticoagulants stand out as the primary active ingredient in rodenticides, making them a critical component in pest management for rodents.