The first new rodenticide active ingredient for 20 years was launched at Cereals 2011 by Bayer Environmental Science.

There was no known resistance in rats or mice to difethalione, the firm’s Ken Black said at a press briefing, introducing Rodilon, which will be available for sale from July.

An anti-coagulant, the product works by thinning the rodent’s blood and causing internal haemorrhaging and death, he explained. But unlike other anti-coagulants, it is still able to bind the rodent’s liver enzyme, when genetic mutation causing resistance occurs.

“It is for indoor use only, and available in four baiting options – whole wheat grain bait, hard and soft blocks and, a specific formulation for mice, Rodilon Trio.”