Successful termite management means being skilled in non-invasive control methods, such as dusting and baiting, as well as more traditional methods.
Eliminating active termite infestations from buildings is the first step in any termite treatment process. One of the key elements to success is minimising the disturbance to the termites, allowing the treatment to work as designed. Recently, Sherwood Chemicals has seen a shift away from foaming towards ‘non-invasive’ techniques such as baiting and dusts. What are the technical reasons for this switch to baits and dusts, and what are the benefits to the pest manager and homeowner?
One of the primary reasons why non-invasive products such as FipForce Dust and TermatriX Termite Bait are gaining popularity is their ability to precisely target termites. When applied correctly, baits and dusts can be considered non-invasive, as after treatment the termites continue their normal behaviour.
In contrast, a foam application is applied directly to termite-infested areas and causes extensive disturbance. Foams will kill the termites quickly on contact and the foam will remain for a period of time, preventing termites from accessing the area. Often this will result in termites leaving the area for a different feeding zone. Even when the foam has subsided, the large number of dead bodies in the area can lead to the phenomenon of secondary repellency, when termites will block off areas containing dead termites.
Formulation chemistry is an important part of any pest control treatment. How the product is delivered, how it sits on the surface and how the insect interacts with the product will determine success. With foams, the insecticide soaks into the surface after the foam has dissipated.
Dusts, on the other hand, perform differently. An application of FipForce Dust will sit on the surface, making the treatment available to any termite entering the area. Using the new E-Duster, the dust can be applied to all the workings, covering as many termites as possible to provide optimal performance. The thin stainless steel wand is easily inserted into timber workings and the dust can be applied with precision. A positive airflow pushes the dust deep into the workings resulting in minimal disturbance to termites.
Baiting is perhaps the ultimate non-invasive termite treatment method. For treatment to be successful, the bait must be applied at all feeding sites and remain highly palatable and moist for extended periods. TermatriX Termite Bait is packaged in 100 g sachets, which allows for quick installation at multiple sites, prevents contamination and ensures the bait retains moisture for longer to encourage feeding.
Sherwood Chemicals recommends that TermatriX Termite Bait or FipForce Dust be used to eradicate termite activity in buildings when the termite nest cannot be located. It can be tempting to go for the quick kill you can get with foams, however consider an iceberg analogy: foams may give you quick kill, but they only target the small piece of the iceberg you can see above the water. Baits and dusts may take a bit longer, but they target the large part of the iceberg that remains below the water.
Baiting with TermatriX is the preferred option to provide colony elimination and when only a low number of termites are present. However, although baits are the proven method for colony elimination, they do take up to three months to gain control and even longer with higher termites such as Nasutitermes and Microcerotermes, due to their different moulting behaviour. Often the customer will want a quick result. When faster control is required or when targeting higher termite species, the use of FipForce Dust is generally recommended.
Apart from the performance benefits of these two non-invasive techniques, baits and dusts can be applied without the removal of wall coverings. Minimal disruption (and mess) makes for happy homeowners. Dusts and baits provide the professional solution in terms of both performance and application.
