The history of development, physical properties, mode of action, methods of use, and typical applications vertebrate pesticides are reviewed and discussed. Active ingredients reviewed are strychnine, sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080), zinc phosphide, cyanide, red squill, ANTU (alpha-naphthylthiourea), five anticoagulants, arsenic trioxide, endrin. Of these, ANTU, anticoagulants, and red squill have been used in tracking powders for rats and mice. Fumigants used for control field rodents in their burrows have included calcium cyanide, carbon disulfide, and pyrotechnic (gas) cartridges that produce carbon monoxide. A list of references is included.