Brodifacoum vs Bromadiolone vs Difethialone: Rodenticide Ingredients Compared (Canada)

Rodenticides sold in Canada fall into three families: first-generation anticoagulants, second-generation anticoagulants and non-anticoagulants. The active ingredient decides how fast the bait works, how many feedings a rat or mouse needs, and, just as important in Canada, who is allowed to buy and use it. This guide compares brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, diphacinone, bromethalin and difenacoum in plain terms.

Quick comparison

Active ingredient	Family	Feedings needed	Who can use it in Canada	Example we carry
Diphacinone	1st-generation anticoagulant	Several	Domestic, commercial or agricultural, depending on the product label	Tomcat All-Weather Bait Chunx
Bromadiolone	2nd-generation anticoagulant	Often one	Commercial or agricultural only	Hawk All-Weather Bait Chunx
Brodifacoum	2nd-generation anticoagulant	Often one	Commercial or agricultural only	Jaguar Bait Chunx
Difethialone	2nd-generation anticoagulant	Often one	Commercial or agricultural only; Health Canada restricts it to indoor use	—
Bromethalin	Non-anticoagulant	Often one	Depends on the product label	See our baits
Difenacoum	2nd-generation anticoagulant	Often one	Not among the actives named in Health Canada's rodenticide decisions; check the label database	—

Always confirm the active ingredient and permitted users on the label of the exact product you buy.

First-generation anticoagulants: diphacinone

First-generation anticoagulants such as diphacinone (also chlorophacinone and warfarin) usually require a rat or mouse to feed over several days. They are the ingredients you will find in many homeowner products. Their slower action means bait stations need to stay stocked until feeding stops.

Second-generation anticoagulants: brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone

Second-generation anticoagulants can deliver a lethal dose in a single feeding. Health Canada describes them as more acutely toxic and longer-lasting in animal tissue than first-generation compounds, which is why they carry more restrictions:

They are not allowed in domestic-class (homeowner) products.
Around buildings, outdoor bait must be placed in bait stations, within the distances set on the label, and in tamper-resistant stations wherever children, pets, livestock or non-target wildlife could reach it.
Difethialone is restricted to indoor use.

Brodifacoum vs bromadiolone

Both work in a single feeding and both are limited to commercial and agricultural users. Brodifacoum is generally considered the more potent and more persistent of the two. In practice, the choice often comes down to the formulation, the site named on the label, and what rodents accept best on your property.

Brodifacoum vs difenacoum

Difenacoum is a second-generation anticoagulant widely used in Europe. It is not among the active ingredients named in Health Canada's rodenticide re-evaluation decisions, so Canadian buyers usually compare brodifacoum with bromadiolone instead. If you see a difenacoum product offered for sale in Canada, look it up in the Health Canada pesticide label search first.

Non-anticoagulants: bromethalin

Bromethalin works through a different mode of action than anticoagulants. Professionals often use it in rotation when rodents stop accepting an anticoagulant bait. As with every rodenticide, the label sets who can use it and where.

How to choose for your situation

Homeowner: choose a domestic-class product, sold with a bait station. See our rat poison guide.
Farm: agricultural labels such as Hawk allow use in and around agricultural buildings, under the label's conditions.
Pest control or commercial site: commercial labels give access to second-generation baits, with placement and station rules.

Compare brands in our Tomcat vs Hawk vs Jaguar vs Rampage guide or browse bait stations.

Frequently asked questions

Is brodifacoum stronger than bromadiolone?

Both are second-generation anticoagulants that can deliver a lethal dose in a single feeding. Brodifacoum is generally described as the more potent and more persistent of the two. In Canada, both are limited to commercial and agricultural labels.

Can homeowners buy brodifacoum or bromadiolone in Canada?

No. Health Canada does not allow second-generation anticoagulants in domestic-class (homeowner) products. They are sold under commercial or agricultural labels, for the users and sites named on the label.

Is difenacoum sold in Canada?

Difenacoum is a second-generation anticoagulant used in Europe and other markets. It is not among the active ingredients named in Health Canada's rodenticide re-evaluation decisions, so search Health Canada's label database before assuming a difenacoum product is available in Canada.

Which rodenticide is best for bait rotation?

Rotating between ingredients with different modes of action, for example an anticoagulant and a non-anticoagulant such as bromethalin, is a common professional practice when bait acceptance drops. Follow each product's label.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. The product label is the law: always read it before buying or using a rodenticide, and check provincial rules. Sources: Health Canada: additional mitigation measures for rodenticides; Health Canada pesticide label search.