EPA Proposes to Restrict Certain Rodenticides

The EPA is proposing to reclassify all second generation anticoagulants (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, and difethialone) as restricted use pesticides in an effort to reduce risks to wildlife.  Although these materials are designed to be toxic in a single feeding, the target rodent does not die immediately, leading to possible repeat feeding, and high body concentrations when the animal eventually dies.  Consumption of the dead animal by predators may lead to non-target effects due to the higher toxicity of these newer rodenticides. 

The EPA has also proposed that all outdoor, above-ground placements of second generation of these three materials must be in tamper-resistant stations to deter non-target animals from the rodenticide bait.  For the other rodenticides (warfarin, chlorophacinone, diphacinone, bromethalin, cholecalciferol, and zinc phosphide), the EPA has recommended that consumer bait products be sold only as solid bait blocks in tamper-resistant stations in an effort to reduce child exposure.  (Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, 1/22/07).