By: Dr. Cisse
Spragins, Rockwell Labs
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We all know the importance of
efficient routing now that the cost of fuel is toppling $4.00 per gallon. But
have you considered ways to reduce callbacks? Consider getting creative with the
use of available pesticides and watch your callbacks plummet and your bottom
line soar.
With the heat of the summer here,
ants and other perimeter pests are thriving in areas that provide food,
moisture, and/or harborage. These areas include mulch beds, heavy vegetation,
woodpiles,attics, crawls and cracks and crevices around structures.
For
fast control, a "one-two punch" using baits combined with a non-repellent
insecticide works extremely well. Bait is attractive to insects,
so applying bait in the zone treated with the nonrepellent will draw pests
into the treated area. They will then pick up the non-repellent as well as
the bait, helping to insure control and prevent callbacks. With ants, this is
particularly effective since they will recruit more workers to the bait, and
take the bait, as well as the non-repellent, back to the nest. Workers carrying
bait will head directly back to the nest, delivering the most efficient transfer
of the non-repellent to the colony. Without bait, randomly foraging workers may
travel briefly through the non-repellent zone, but not go back to the nest for
some time, and could die before they get back.
Here are some tips for
using non-repellents and baits together:
1. Sprinkle granular bait around
the perimeter, directly on top of where the non-repellent
was
sprayed.
2. Spray non-repellent along trails on the side of
structures and then bait along these trails using gel bait, or syrup bait in
small stations.
3. Using syrup bait with dilution directions, dilute down
to 1% active with water and spot spray the bait around the foundation and on the
base of trees. Spray over this treatment with a non-repellent.
4. Place syrup/liquid bait in
stations around the perimeter and lightly spray the outside of the stations with
non-repellent.
5. If ants are nesting outside, bait outside only, to
pull ants out of the structure (in cases of indoor nests, bait will be needed
indoors).
Broad spectrum, boric acid granular bait with multiple
attractants is uniquely well suited for perimeter application because it has a
much longer residual life than other granular baits and is economical,
particularly if purchased in the 40lb size. The granules themselves are moisture
resistant, while the boric acid not only kills insects, but also acts as a mold
inhibitor to keep the bait fresh longer. Boric acid itself does not break down
from heat or light and the granules hold up well even in the rain. In dry areas,
such as attics and voids, a residual of a year or more can be expected, while up
to 90 days can be expected outdoors. An added advantage is that boric acid
granular bait is "green"!
Repellents, i.e. pyrethroids, should not be
used with bait/non-repellent treatments unless very selectively. It is generally
not a good idea to apply a repellent barrier spray around
the perimeter of a structure that has an active ant infestation.
If the
perimeter has been sprayed with a repellent, bait should be applied in a band
outside of the repellent barrier. Repellent barriers are generally not very
effective on natural or uneven surfaces like mulch, grass, dirt or gravel.
Repellents are most effective when used on hard surfaces, such as around the
foundation, eaves, and window and door frames. Weather-resistant granular
bait should be used around the perimeter on natural surfaces. Pyrethroid
insecticide granules or spray should never be applied on the ground around a
structure that has been treated with a non-repellent - this defeats the
purpose of the non-repellent entirely.
To prevent major problems with
ants, roaches and occasional invaders, the perimeter should be treated with
boric acid granular bait and repellent applied around windows, door frames and
eaves on a quarterly basis. Bait should also be used once a year in the
attics and crawls. The perimeter may also be sprayed with non-repellent twice a
year.
To knock out pests and callbacks, use bait and non-repellents
together for a one-two punch. Reduce your callbacks and your fuel bills and
watch your profits soar!
Dr. Cisse Spragins is the founder/CEO of
Rockwell Labs Ltd, manufacturer of InTice baits, InVite lures, InVade bio
products and a range of IPM insect stations.
Residex can help you
reduce callbacks, improve your routing efficiency, and become more
profitable.
Contact your local representative today!
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