Instructions for the use of rodenticides, what these products are and their types

The use of rodenticides in agriculture is considered very important. Such means help to avoid the appearance and spread of rodents, which cause serious damage to crop plantings. These drugs are chemical elements that are used to eliminate rodents. They are distinguished by convenient preparative forms, but the main disadvantage of such products is considered to be a high degree of toxicity.

What are rodenticides

These drugs were developed to control rodents. With their help, it is possible to reduce the number of mice, rats, and voles. Such substances are highly effective.

History of appearance

Initially, mechanical means and biological preparations were used to control rodents. However, such measures were not suitable for rodent control in the field or in large storage facilities.

To protect crops from parasites, people used all kinds of toxic agents. One of the first remedies was arsenic. However, later its use had to be abandoned. It has been associated with negative effects on people and pets. Subsequently, other arsenic-based products began to be used - in particular, arsenite and calcium arsenate.

At the beginning of the 20th century, gas methods of control began to be used. Asphyxiating gases were used for the first time in 1917. At the next stage, they began to use ratsid, zinc phosphide, and glyftor. These products served as food baits. Then, in the mid-20th century, anticoagulants began to be used to protect plants. They are considered the most effective rodenticides to this day.

Varieties

Such funds can be of the following types:

1. Acute action – leads to instant death of rodents. This happens after half an hour or a day. Such products contain potent components - zinc phosphide, arsenic, strychnine.
2. Chronic exposure - this group includes anticoagulants. When eating the product, toxic substances gradually accumulate in the rodent’s body. When the critical volume is reached, the rodents die. At the same time, the remaining animals continue to eat the bait.

Method of penetration and mechanism of action of the product

Rodenticides produce an intestinal effect on rodents.This means that they act through the digestive organs. These products contain anticoagulants. These elements accumulate in the rodent's body. As a result, they gradually reduce blood clotting and increase vascular permeability.

The animal dies due to multiple internal hemorrhages. Since the rodent does not feel a sudden deterioration in health, it has no fear of the bait. He eats her again, causing the poison to build up.

Instructions for use of the drug

The use of rodenticides varies. These substances are divided into bait and non-bait substances.

Bait technique

In this case, baits are used that are eaten by rodents. Such substances have the following varieties:

1. Powdered - they contain blood anticoagulants, which have an indirect effect in combination with flour, sugar and oatmeal. Such products are highly effective. They are especially effective against rats.
2. Cereals – contains whole or crushed cereals.
3. Paraffin - in this case, a mixture of grains in paraffin is used. Sugar and vegetable oil are also added to the composition. These substances are often used in high humidity conditions.
4. Granulated - are shaped cereal mixtures.
5. Dough-like - consist of flour, sugar, vegetable oil. Moreover, the mixture has the consistency of dough. For granivores this bait is the most attractive.
6. Wet - they are a poison that has an acute effect and is combined with bread or cereal crumbs, as well as minced meat and fish. Such remedies are often used for poor eating of dry compounds.
7. Liquid - are a sugar solution with a concentration of 5-10%.Milk, water, beer or other suitable liquid is used as a base. A concentrated anticoagulant is applied on top, which is mixed with vegetable oil. The composition may also contain water-soluble toxic agents.

Baitless technique

In this case, areas where rodents accumulate—burrows or passages—are treated with poison. The substance enters the body during eating or washing. It is important to use products that do not pose a danger to people and pets. Many compounds have a slow effect. Therefore, rodents can carry them far beyond the treatment area.

Rodenticides can be of different types:

1. Dusts are made from 1-2 generation anticoagulants. They include powder fillers. These include starch or flour. Thanks to such components, the poison adheres to the integument of pests. Talc and silica gel stick most strongly to the skin and fur.
2. Pastes - they are made from acute agents. First of all, α-naphthylthiourea is used for this. The poison is combined with an adhesive base. It can be margarine, Vaseline, grease. Pastes are highly effective against resistant rodent populations.
3. Foams - they contain warfarin and diphacinone in combination with formative agents. Such preparations stick well. However, their effect does not exceed 2 weeks. Therefore, the substances cannot be used for long-term treatment.

Safety regulations

When using rodenticides, the following rules should be observed:

1. Study the instructions for use of the product.
2. Use the formulations only if you are not allergic. Pregnant and lactating women should not use the drugs.
3. Before laying out or preparing bait, you should wear a protective suit, shoes, and gloves.
4. Special glasses are suitable to protect your eyes. To avoid toxic substances entering the respiratory system, you should wear a respirator or mask.
5. After contact with chemicals, gloves should be washed in a soda solution. The same applies to shoes, glasses and a respirator.
6. Remove clothes, shake well and dry. Then put it in a box for storage.
7. During treatment, you should not eat, drink, or smoke.
8. Do not use products if there are skin lesions.

How do they affect animals and people?

Many substances in this category are considered highly toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, when using them, it is important to adhere to all precautions. At the same time, there are also low-risk means. Baits with anticoagulant substances can be used for treating residential premises, medical, food, and children's institutions.

In case of rodenticide poisoning, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. Before this, you need to take the following measures:

1. Avoid contact with toxic agents and ensure mechanical removal of toxic substances from the body. If intoxication is associated with harmful fumes, the person needs to be taken to fresh air. If toxic substances enter the stomach, it must be rinsed immediately.
2. Use sorbents. After gastric lavage, the patient should be given activated charcoal. For 10 kilograms of weight you should use 1 tablet of the substance. A fast-acting laxative should also be used. This will help bind and cleanse the body of poison.
3. Use specific antidotes. They must be introduced at the stage of medical care. In case of poisoning with anticoagulants, vitamin K should be used.

Rodenticides are effective agents that help control dangerous rodents. For the use of such substances to be effective, it is recommended to strictly follow the instructions. Compliance with safety regulations is of no small importance.