What type of bait is known to cause severe dehydration in rodents?

Cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, is the type of bait that is known to cause severe dehydration in rodents. When ingested, cholecalciferol raises calcium levels in the bloodstream, leading to severe hypercalcemia. This condition results in increased thirst and urination, causing the rodent to become severely dehydrated over time. It affects various bodily functions and can ultimately lead to death if used as a rodenticide.

In contrast, anticoagulants work by disrupting blood clotting mechanisms, which can eventually lead to death by internal bleeding, but they do not specifically cause dehydration. Zinc phosphide functions by releasing phosphine gas upon contact with acidic conditions in the rodent's stomach, leading to respiratory failure rather than dehydration. Rodenticide gels may contain various active ingredients but are primarily designed for palatability and effectiveness against rodents, without a direct link to dehydration as a primary mechanism.