What are the two broad groups of active ingredients found in rodenticides?

The correct choice is focused on the two primary categories of active ingredients utilized in rodenticides: anticoagulants and non-anticoagulants.

Anticoagulant rodenticides work by interfering with the blood clotting process in rodents, leading to death from internal bleeding. These types are commonly used because they often provide a delayed effect, allowing time for the rodent to consume more bait and thus increasing effectiveness. Common examples include compounds like bromadiolone and brodifacoum, which are classified as second-generation anticoagulants, and can be particularly potent due to their longer-lasting effects.

On the other hand, non-anticoagulant rodenticides operate through different mechanisms, such as causing dehydration or inhibiting vital metabolic processes. These can include active ingredients like bromethalin or cholecalciferol, which have different modes of action compared to anticoagulants and may kill more quickly after ingestion.

Understanding these two groups is crucial for pest management professionals, as it allows them to select the most appropriate rodenticides depending on factors like the target rodent species, environment, and the desired speed of control. This classification also highlights the importance of safe application and the need to mitigate risks to non-target species and the environment.