Second Generation Anti-Coagulant Rodenticides (SGAR) Review – the real impact.
So much has been said and printed about the recent APVMA Second Generation Anti-Coagulant Rodenticide (SGAR) Review that it has caused confusion and, to some degree, panic.
The truth of the matter is:
The APVMA has suspended the use of SGARs. The suspension came into effect on 24 March 2026 and introduced legally enforceable conditions of use that override existing product labels. Importantly: This is not a full ban; Products are not cancelled (yet); But strict new rules now apply
- Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) are single-feed rodenticides (a rodent only needs a single dose to cause mortality)
- In Australia brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, difethialone, and flocoumafen are all registered SGARs
- First Generation are multi-feed rodenticides (a rodent needs to eat the bait up to five consecutive days to get a lethal dose)
- In Australia coumatetralyl and diphacinone are the only first generation products registered for use
- There is no such thing as a third-generation anticoagulant
- There are a few non-anticoagulant rodenticides available in Australia in the form of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), bromethalin, alphachloralose and zinc phosphide (Ag only)
- There is a well-documented risk of secondary toxicity from the use of SGARs (carnivorous animals dying from eating rodents that have ingested bait)
Impacts of the review on SGAR use by professionals
- Both first- and second-generation anticoagulants are still freely available for purchase and use by professional pest control operators
- All rodenticides should be placed in secured, lockable, tamper-resistant bait stations
- For the control of mice, bait stations must only be placed inside a building – no external use is permitted
- For the control of rats, bait stations must be placed within 2 metres of buildings
- Use of SGARs is limited to a maximum of 35 days without reassessment
- Continued infestation requires a review of treatment effectiveness
- It becomes mandatory to search for and appropriately dispose of carcasses
For most professional pest control companies current practices should already align with these new regulations, so very little change need be made.
