How do anticoagulants function as rodenticides?

Anticoagulants function as rodenticides primarily by interfering with the normal blood coagulation process in rodents. When rodents consume anticoagulant rodenticides, these compounds inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. This disruption leads to a decrease in the production of proteins necessary for blood clotting, resulting in a condition known as coagulopathy. As the bleeding cannot be effectively controlled, internal bleeding occurs, causing the rodent to gradually die from blood loss.

This method of action allows for a slower, more discreet kill, which can be advantageous in rodent control, as it reduces the chances of the rodent associating the bait with being poisoned, thereby potentially improving the efficacy of the bait over time. In contrast, other methods like dehydration or paralysis do not align with the biochemical pathways affected by anticoagulants, and poisoning food sources directly relates to the consumption of toxins rather than impacting blood coagulation. Thus, the mechanism of action involving the prevention of blood clotting is what makes anticoagulants effective as rodenticides.