TECHNICAL | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020
Tim Peeling, product manager at BPCA member Bayer, takes a look at the findings of their summer wasp study.
The loss of actives and increased label restrictions continues to affect pest controllers. July 2019 was a key milestone for many when Ficam D, a popular dust-based insecticide, was restricted to indoor use on wasp nests.
Tim says dust formulations have been a popular choice for pest controllers for many years, so this was a blow for the industry.
He explains that to fully understand how this loss has impacted the sector and get a picture of the wasp situation, Bayer surveyed 202 pest controllers. Here he talks about the results.
Formulations
When it comes to treating wasp nests, various insecticide formulations can be used. However, the survey highlighted that some are more popular than others.
Tim explains: “The main formulations used for wasp control are aerosols, liquids and dusts, and when it comes to treating both indoor and outdoor wasp nests, dust is the predominant formulation of choice,” says Tim (see figures 1 and 2).
He adds, “Over 80% of pest controllers that completed the survey are using dust formulations indoors, and over 70% of them are still using this formulation to control outdoor nests too.
“Over 70% of these are specifically using Ficam® D.
“However, the new labelling means this solution, alongside other dust formulations, should only be used indoors or applied indoors from an external access point, such as from outside into an attic void.
“Based on these changes, pest controllers need to consider alternative solutions for outdoor use, such as liquids.
“These changes not only pose a challenge for pest controllers, but also for chemical manufacturers too, so it’s important we at Bayer invest in new formulations that have lower active ingredients but with the same level of efficacy.
“This is why we’ve developed K-Othrine® Partix,” says Tim.
We have talked for many years about selecting the correct formulation for the location when treating rodents, and now we need to start thinking about which formulations we are using for wasp control.
“As labels change and restrictions get tighter for certain solutions, it’s time to select product formulations for wasp control, as we do for rodents.
“K-Othrine® Partix is one of a few insecticide options available that can be used to control free-hanging wasp nests outdoors. When using this highly effective and targeted insecticide, the nest is completely eradicated within one week.
“Many of these popular choices have been around for several years now, and while they work well, it’s important to note that new formulations can offer the same level of control and may be more appropriate for the type and location of the nest.”
Top tips for wasp control
- Assess the whole site for wasp nests
- Aim to treat the wasp nest either early in the morning or towards the end of the day when temperatures have declined, as more wasps will be in the nest then, allowing for a more targeted and successful treatment
- Always follow the label when treating wasp nests; not only is this key to achieving successful control but also helps ensure these solutions remain on the market
- Pick the correct formulation appropriate for the nest type and location
- Keep application equipment well-maintained and safely stored over the winter months.
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Source: PPC101