Coumatetralyl

Coumatetralyl is a rodenticide commonly used to control rat and mouse populations. It is a type of anticoagulant, a substance that prevents blood from clotting, leading to internal bleeding and death in rodents.

History

Coumatetralyl was first introduced in the 1950s as a safer alternative to other rodenticides that were in use at the time. It was developed by Shell Chemicals, a subsidiary of the multinational oil company Shell Corporation.

Mechanism of Action

Coumatetralyl works by inhibiting the vitamin K cycle in the body. This cycle is responsible for producing clotting factors that help blood to clot. When this cycle is disrupted, the blood becomes unable to clot, leading to internal bleeding.

Usage

Coumatetralyl is typically used in bait stations, where rodents consume the poison along with food. It is a slow-acting poison, which allows rodents to return to their nests and die there, reducing the chance of secondary poisoning for predators and scavengers.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

While coumatetralyl is less toxic to non-target species than other rodenticides, it still poses a risk to pets and wildlife if they consume poisoned rodents or the bait directly. It is also harmful to the environment, as it can contaminate water sources and soil.

Regulation

In many countries, the use of coumatetralyl is regulated due to its potential impact on non-target species and the environment. In the European Union, for example, it is approved for use only in certain situations and must be used with caution.

See Also

• Rodenticide
• Anticoagulant
• Vitamin K