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"After rodents have been controlled with Cholecalciferol, make sure to retrieve and bury uneaten bait to prevent children, livestock, dogs, and other pets from accidentally consuming the bait."

Cholecalciferol

For years, anticoagulants have been used to control rodents like rats and mice that have invaded buildings and households. However, over time, these rodents have developed resistance to anticoagulant formulas and are steadily becoming less effective.

Rodenticide manufacturers tried to counter this resistance by developing what are called “second-generation anticoagulants” in the hopes that they would speed up the killing process. Researchers and laboratories eventually found an alternative rodenticide that possesses many beneficial attributes of anticoagulants. Still, it featured a unique mode of action to improve the efficiency of the poison in killing rodents. One such product that was worked on as a viable alternative is Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3).

Solutions Pest & Lawn proudly carries rodenticide products containing the powerful active ingredient Cholecalciferol. On this page, you can learn more about Cholecalciferol and why it works so effectively to kill even the toughest rodent infestations, as well as shop the recommended products we have in our inventory.

What is Cholecalciferol?

Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D, also called vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 kills anticoagulant-resistant rats and mice yet substantially reduces the risk of secondary poisoning of non-target animals. Bell Laboratories first developed and registered cholecalciferol in the 1980s for use as a rodenticide.

Cholecalciferol has been used primarily against Norway rats, roof rats, and house mice.

How Does Cholecalciferol Work?

Mode of Action

Cholecalciferol is a single-feeding rodent bait that kills the rodent by causing internal bleeding. It first enters the body via oral ingestion and initially accumulates in the liver. Once the rodent eats a lethal dose, its blood calcium begins to rise to a level that is lethal to the rodent.

Many critical reactions in the rodent's body require calcium. In addition to forming new bone, calcium is needed for milk production, blood clotting, neuromuscular action, and other functions. Cholecalciferol interferes with these functions, leading to complications like kidney damage, heart problems, and bleeding.

Benefits of Cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol is a vitamin that is very effective as a rodenticide. It can work much faster to get rid of a rodent infestation than traditional warfarin. Use Cholecalciferol if you want a faster method of rodent control or would like to switch to a bait when rodents have shown resistance to anticoagulant baits.

Drawbacks of Cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol does not have an antidote, and non-intended targets that consume it (like cats and dogs) could lead to life-threatening complications. Do not use Cholecalciferol without a tamper-resistant bait station.

Is Cholecalciferol Safe?

Cholecalciferol is safe when applied according to label directions. Treating cholecalciferol poisoning is difficult, so preventing access to bait is critical. The risk of non-target poisoning is reduced by using cholecalciferol baits in bait stations or other dispensers on trees or posts where they are less accessible to non-target species than baits on the ground.

What To Expect

Chlorphacinone bait

Cholecalciferol can kill rodents by feeding them a single dose. Rodents who ingest the active ingredient will stop feeding soon after as the symptoms of lethargy and other body complications and malfunctions start to affect them rapidly. Death can occur within a few days due to kidney failure.

We highly recommend using a tamper-resistant bait station, which we also sell, when applying cholecalciferol-based rodenticide baits to the area. Products that contain this active ingredient should be handled carefully and as directed.