Rodenticide
Rodenticide
Rodenticide (/rɒdˈɛntɪsaɪd/), derived from the Latin rodere (to gnaw) and the Greek -cide (killer), is a type of pesticide specifically designed to kill rodents.
History
The use of rodenticides dates back to ancient times, with the first known instances of their use recorded in the Roman Empire. The term "rodenticide" itself, however, was not coined until the 20th century.
Types
There are several types of rodenticides, each with their own specific mechanisms of action. These include anticoagulant rodenticides, calcium releaser rodenticides, and acute toxin rodenticides.
Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Anticoagulant rodenticides work by disrupting the normal clotting process in the rodent's blood, leading to uncontrolled bleeding and eventually death. Examples of anticoagulant rodenticides include warfarin, bromadiolone, and difenacoum.
Calcium Releaser Rodenticides
Calcium releaser rodenticides cause a rapid increase in the rodent's blood calcium levels, leading to kidney, heart, and blood vessel damage. An example of a calcium releaser rodenticide is cholecalciferol.
Acute Toxin Rodenticides
Acute toxin rodenticides work by causing immediate and severe damage to the rodent's central nervous system. Examples of acute toxin rodenticides include strychnine and zinc phosphide.
Risks and Controversies
While rodenticides are effective in controlling rodent populations, they also pose significant risks to non-target species, including pets and wildlife. This has led to controversy and calls for more stringent regulation of rodenticide use.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rodenticide
- Wikipedia's article - Rodenticide
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