First-generation anticoagulants (FGARs):

Warfarin – one of the oldest rodenticides; resistance in rodents has limited its effectiveness. (Not in Use)
Coumatetralyl – similar to Warfarin, but slightly more effective and still used in some situations.

Second-generation anticoagulants (SGARs):

These are more potent than first-generation anticoagulants and are commonly used for rodent control in the UK.

Bromadiolone – widely used and effective against resistant rodents.
Difenacoum – also used for its effectiveness on anticoagulant-resistant rodents.
Brodifacoum – highly toxic to rodents but also to non-target species; hence, used more in enclosed settings.
Flocoumafen – another powerful second-generation anticoagulant, restricted for professional use due to its high potency.
Difethialone – very potent, often used for professional control of resistant rodent populations.

Non-anticoagulant rodenticides:

While less common than anticoagulants, there are a few non-anticoagulant rodenticides in use.

Alphachloralose – used primarily for controlling mice in indoor areas; it acts as a central nervous system depressant.
Zinc phosphide – when ingested, it releases phosphine gas, which is highly toxic. It is used in agricultural settings but is less common for domestic or urban rodent control.

In the UK, insecticides are used to control various pests in agricultural, domestic, and commercial environments. Similar to rodenticides, insecticides are regulated to minimize risks to human health, non-target species, and the environment. Below is a list of common insecticides used in the UK, grouped by their chemical classes:

1. Pyrethroids:

Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals based on pyrethrins, which are natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. They are widely used in both agricultural and domestic settings.

Permethrin – commonly used for controlling mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
Cypermethrin – used in agricultural applications and household pest control (e.g., ants, cockroaches).
Deltamethrin – often used in agriculture and domestic pest control; effective against a range of insects.
Lambda-cyhalothrin – widely used in agriculture, gardens, and homes to control a wide range of pests.
Bifenthrin – used in agriculture, horticulture, and to treat wood for termite control.

2. Neonicotinoids:

Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides that act on the central nervous system of insects. However, their use has been restricted due to concerns about their impact on bees and other pollinators.

Imidacloprid – widely used in agriculture (though restricted for outdoor use), as well as in flea treatments for pets.
Thiamethoxam – used in seed treatments and some agricultural applications (subject to restrictions).
Acetamiprid – commonly used for aphid and whitefly control in agriculture and greenhouses.
Clothianidin – used in seed treatments and some insecticide sprays (subject to restrictions due to environmental concerns).

3. Organophosphates:

Organophosphates are older insecticides that act on the nervous system of insects. Their use has decreased due to health and environmental concerns, but some are still in use.

Malathion – used in agriculture and public health programs, often for mosquito control.
Chlorpyrifos – was widely used in agriculture but has faced significant restrictions due to concerns about human health and the environment.

4. Carbamates:

Carbamates are another class of insecticides that act on the nervous system but tend to break down more quickly in the environment.

Carbaryl – used in gardens and agriculture, though its use is limited due to its toxicity to non-target species.
Propoxur – used in indoor pest control for cockroaches, ants, and other insects.

5. Biological Insecticides:

Biological insecticides use natural organisms or substances derived from them to control pests. They are considered more environmentally friendly.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) – a bacterial insecticide that targets caterpillars and other larvae, commonly used in agriculture and gardens.
Spinosad – a natural insecticide derived from soil bacteria, used in agriculture, horticulture, and home gardens.
Beauveria bassiana – a fungus that parasitizes insects, used for controlling pests in agriculture and greenhouses.

6. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs):

IGRs disrupt the development of insects, preventing them from reaching adulthood or reproducing.

Methoprene – used for controlling fleas, mosquitoes, and other insects in domestic and agricultural settings.
Pyriproxyfen – used for controlling fleas, flies, and other pests in both agricultural and domestic environments.
Hydroprene – used in professional pest control to manage cockroaches and stored product pests.

7. Other Insecticides:

Fipronil – used in flea control for pets, as well as agricultural applications, but its outdoor use is restricted to protect non-target species.
Pirimicarb – a selective insecticide used to control aphids in agricultural crops, particularly in soft fruits and vegetables.
Sulfur – used as a fungicide and miticide, effective against some insect pests in agriculture and horticulture.

Regulatory Considerations:

Rodenticide use in the UK is governed by strict regulations to protect wildlife and the environment, particularly from secondary poisoning (where non-target species eat poisoned rodents). The UK’s Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) promotes the responsible use of these substances, encouraging integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that reduce reliance on rodenticides.

Keep in mind that most of these rodenticides are only available for professional use due to their potency and associated risks.

The use of insecticides in the UK is strictly regulated, with certain chemicals being banned or restricted due to their impact on the environment, particularly pollinators like bees. The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees the regulation of pesticides, ensuring that they are used safely and effectively while minimizing risks to non-target species and ecosystems.

Pesticides we use