How do anticoagulants kill rodents?

Anticoagulants kill rodents by preventing their blood from coagulating, which is the action that leads to their death. These poisons inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K, a vital nutrient required for the production of certain clotting factors in the liver. Without these clotting factors, rodents are unable to form proper blood clots when they suffer injuries, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. As a result, even minor injuries can be fatal, and internal bleeding can occur, contributing to the rodent's demise over a period of days after consumption of the bait.

Other methods of rodent control, such as dehydration, poisoning food supply, or disrupting digestion, are not the mechanisms by which anticoagulants operate. Anticoagulants specifically target the blood's ability to clot rather than causing immediate physical harm or disruption to other bodily functions. Understanding this mechanism helps in selecting appropriate control methods and ensures safety and efficacy in pest management practices.