Pest managers are looking to BASF’s Termidor Foam as an alternative to traditional bait for termite bait stations.
Before establishing a liquid barrier against termites or installing a termite monitoring system, pest managers often undertake a Stage 1 termite treatment.
Stage 1 treatments are designed to alleviate termite pressure on a structure, or eradicate the termite colony from where the infestation is originating. Foams, dusts and baiting systems are the most widely used types of Stage 1 treatments used by pest managers.
Termidor Foam, the most recent termite innovation from BASF, can be used for treating a range of termite infestations including in wall voids, timber in service, poles and posts and directly treating nests and bivouacs. Many pest managers are already familiar with the product as it is easy to use and effective.
Termidor Foam however, is increasingly being used as a treatment in bait stations to control termites and achieve quick colony control.
Termidor Foam is formulated as a ‘dry’ foam, that holds in place. This means the foam does not dissipate and turn into water like many other foam formulations or ‘mix-your-own’ products. Like all other Termidor products, Termidor Foam utilises the well-known Termidor ‘Transfer Effect’.
One pest manager, who has been using Termidor Foam with great success in termite baiting systems, is Jason Kelly from Safe and Sound Pest Control on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
“I have a lot of faith in the Termidor brand having used Termidor liquid, and more recently Termidor Dry, with great success. When Termidor Foam became available I had no reluctance to try it out.
“I had already used Termidor Foam in situations such as wall voids. It was very effective, convenient and easy to use. So I thought it would be worthwhile using it on some baiting stations where I had observed some activity.
“Using the applicator nozzle that comes with the can I applied the foam to the bait station. It just took a few seconds to fill with foam. Whether there was a lot of mudding in the station didn’t make much difference, the foam filled the voids in the bait station, providing good coverage.”
Mr Kelly contrasted using traditional baits for baiting stations with the easy to use Termidor Foam.
“Mixing baits is messy and time consuming. It’s hard to estimate how much bait you require, so there is often wasted bait. This is in complete contrast to Termidor Foam where application is quick, tidy and there is no waste.”
Four weeks after the initial application Mr Kelly did a follow up inspection.
“At the four week inspection we had excellent control of termites. I have been using Termidor Foam in other bait station situations with similar results, so it is a product I will continue to use for this purpose.
“Termidor Foam was also very cost effective compared to mixing bait. A can of product goes a long way, and because it is quick, it saves me a lot of time.”
Termidor Dry is another great option for use in bait stations, particularly in aggregation stations and where conditions are dry.
“Termidor Dry is formulated with the new patented carrier from BASF – Microllose. The presence of Microllose improves flowability and palatability to termites, and is a significant advancement on previous dust products. Termidor Dry also adheres well to termites,” said Dr David Elmouttie, technical specialist for BASF.
“The Microllose advantage means that Termidor Dry is not only an incredible contact termiticide and highly palatable food source, but ensures Termidor Dry is passed among termites by the ‘Transfer Effect’.”
Termidor Foam and Termidor Dry are a perfect fit for use in bait stations. Both products can be used with a wide range of bait stations and have the most expansive labels of any Stage 1 treatment option. Both products are quick and convenient ‘ready to use’ formulations and come with the well-known efficacy associated with the Termidor brand.
