How do anticoagulant rodenticides typically work?

Anticoagulant rodenticides operate by interfering with the normal blood clotting process in rodents. These substances typically require multiple feedings to accumulate enough of the active ingredient in the rodent's body to reach lethal levels. After ingestion, the effects of the anticoagulants are not immediate; instead, they gradually disrupt the rodent's ability to clot blood, leading to internal bleeding over time. This method of action means that the rodent can continue to appear healthy for several days after consuming the bait before succumbing to the effects.

While other options mention characteristics of different types of pesticide formulations, they do not align with how anticoagulant rodenticides function effectively. For example, some pesticides may kill pests instantly but anticoagulant rodenticides are specifically designed for gradual efficacy. Additionally, they do not require a large volume of bait to be effective, nor are they limited to topical applications, since they are ingested by the target pests. Overall, the dependence on multiple feedings for lethality is a defining feature of anticoagulant rodenticides.