Major chemical rodenticide categories
- Acute rodenticides (e.g. Zinc Phosphide): Single-dose poisons that release lethal phosphine gas upon contacting stomach acids; causes rapid mortality within hours, requiring prior unpoisoned pre-baiting.
- Chronic anticoagulant rodenticides (e.g. Bromadiolone, Brodifacoum): Multi-dose or single-feeding anticoagulants that block vitamin K cycle enzymes, preventing blood coagulation; rodents succumb quietly over 3 to 7 days without inducing bait shyness.
- Bait forms: Formulated as wax blocks, loose grain baits, and ready-to-use pastes.
Safe field and storage baiting practices
Always place poisoned baits inside secured, tamper-resistant bait stations or deep within active rodent burrows. Never broadcast baits openly where poultry, cattle, or dogs can feed. Identify active burrows by plugging openings the previous evening and treating only reopened holes the next morning.
Antidotes, first aid and carcass disposal
- Anticoagulant poisoning: Vitamin K1 (Phytomenadione) is the specific clinical antidote, administered under direct medical supervision.
- Acute phosphide poisoning: Has no specific antidote; emergency stomach lavage and intensive supportive care must be administered immediately at a hospital.
- Carcass disposal: Collect dead rodents using gloves or tongs and bury them at least 0.5 meters deep to prevent secondary poisoning of scavengers and birds.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the difference between acute and anticoagulant rat killers?
Acute poisons like Zinc Phosphide act within hours after a single feeding, while anticoagulants like Bromadiolone take several days, preventing bait suspicion among rodent colonies.
What is the antidote for anticoagulant rat poison (Bromadiolone)?
Vitamin K1 is the specific medical antidote for anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning, administered under emergency medical care.
Why is pre-baiting recommended before using Zinc Phosphide?
Pre-baiting with unpoisoned grain for 2 to 3 days builds rodent feeding confidence, ensuring they consume a lethal dose once poison is introduced.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More General Agriculture & Tools guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.