Cholecalciferol — yes, it is literally Vitamin D3 — is used as a rodenticide at extremely high doses. It causes fatal hypercalcemia (calcium overload) in rodents within 3-4 days. It is gaining popularity as anticoagulant rodenticides face increasing restrictions due to secondary poisoning concerns.
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Classification
Acute Rodenticide (Hypercalcemia Agent)
Signal Word
Caution
Mode of Action
Hypercalcemia: massive calcium mobilization from bones → calcium deposits in kidneys, heart, blood vessels → organ failure
Rats and mice. Less commonly used for other rodents. Requires multiple feedings over 2-3 days for lethal dose in most formulations — not a single-feed kill like zinc phosphide or bromethalin.
🏷️ Products & Brand Names
Terad3 Blox (Bell Labs — the dominant brand), d-Con (some formulations contain cholecalciferol), Selontra (BASF — professional, contains cholecalciferol). Growing number of products as anticoagulant alternatives.
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
The irony: Vitamin D3 is essential for human health at normal doses (400-4000 IU/day) but lethal to rodents at the doses in bait (40,000-60,000 IU/gram). However, concentrated rodenticide bait is absolutely toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
⚠️ PET DANGER: Dogs that eat cholecalciferol rodent bait face life-threatening hypercalcemia. Symptoms may not appear for 24-36 hours but can be fatal. Aggressive IV fluid therapy and calcitonin treatment are needed. If your dog eats this bait, go to emergency vet IMMEDIATELY — do not wait for symptoms.
⚠️ No antidote shortcut: Unlike anticoagulant rodenticides (which have a Vitamin K1 antidote), cholecalciferol poisoning requires intensive supportive care. Treatment is expensive and prolonged. Prevention is critical — use tamper-resistant bait stations.
Example
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Why it's growing in popularity: Cholecalciferol has lower secondary poisoning risk than second-generation anticoagulants. A predator that eats a poisoned rodent receives a fraction of the lethal dose. This makes it preferred in areas with endangered raptors or other wildlife.
Speed: Death typically occurs 3-4 days after lethal dose ingestion. Rodents become lethargic and seek water before dying. This is slower than zinc phosphide or bromethalin but faster than first-generation anticoagulants.
Resistance: No known resistance in any rodent population — a significant advantage over anticoagulant rodenticides, which face widespread resistance in some rat populations.
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💡 Vitamin D3 rodenticide. Extremely toxic to dogs — no antidote. Lower secondary poisoning risk than anticoagulants.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is cholecalciferol safe for pets?
Follow the product label. Keep pets out of treated areas until completely dried (2–4 hours for sprays). Once dry, treated surfaces pose minimal risk to dogs and cats.
Q: Can I use cholecalciferol indoors?
Check the specific product label — formulations vary. Baits and dusts often have indoor labeling; concentrates and granulars are typically outdoor.
Q: How long does cholecalciferol last after application?
Residual varies by formulation, surface type, weather, and UV exposure. Indoor applications last longer than outdoor. Check the product label for re-application intervals.
Q: What should I do if exposed?
Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. For eye contact, rinse 15–20 minutes. For ingestion or severe symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Have the product label available.
📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
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Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Rodenticide — Safety Data Sheet
View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.
💡 Did you know? It takes about 50,000 times the normal human daily dose of Vitamin D3 to create a lethal rodenticide bait. The same vitamin that strengthens your bones causes fatal calcium deposits in rodent organs at these extreme concentrations.
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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional. Last reviewed: April 2026.
