At Scimetrics, we are committed to developing effective pest control products that pose minimal threat to non-target animals. Our use of warfarin as the main active ingredient in our products reduces potential secontary toxicity to household pets. In addition, several of our baits use diphacinone, for which like warfarin, has the antidote Vitamin K1.
Our experience with second generation rodenticides prompted us to organize a plan to reintroduce baits into the marketplace that are a lower risk to pets and wildlife when compared to second generation products. As a result, in 1995 we actively began developing formulations containing warfarin for moles, rats, mice, and other rodents. A recent rodenticide risk assessment draft report published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, presented warfarin as the lowest risk to mammals and birds of the anticoagulants. Warfarin remains as an effective choice for rodent control in the U.S. Numerous reports from professionals around the country support this claim. Laboratory and field studies in the US have substantiated the fact that warfarin resistance to rodents is not an issue of concern.
The EPA recently announced in a proposed ruling that second generation rodenticides will be classified as RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDES.
Below are data extracted from an EPA report on how warfarin poses a lower risk factor to non-target animals when compared to other commonly used rodenticides.
Warfarin appears to be less of a hazard than other anticoagulants. p 42: EPA Rodenticide Risk Assessment 2002.
Read more about Rodenticide Poisoning in The Merk Veterinary Manual.
