NEW FORMULATIONS WITH BETACYFLUTHRIN: RESIDUAL EFFICACY AGAINST ANTS AND COCKROACHES OF A TABLET AND A SUSPENSION CONCENTRATE

Abstract:
A betacyfluthrin SC containing 12.5% active ingredient was introduced to the pest control market (Responsar SCm). Applications by pest control professionals have shown good efficacy against Blattella germanica. On porous surfaces the particles stay more on the surface and are not so readily absorbed. Based on experience in the formulation technology of suspension concentrates and tablets, research was continued to improve product performance including longer lasting efficacy combined with easier handling and mixing. A new 40 % tablet and a new 2.5 % suspension concentrate were therefore formulated. The residual efficacy of the tablet and the SC formulation against German cockroaches (Blattella germanica), American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) was tested in the laboratory on different surfaces with an application rate of only 7.5 mg a.i.l/m2. Both formulations remained effective for at least 32 and 8 weeks, respectively, and showed that they offer the best combination of properties with respect to efficacy and application rate. Furthermore, the SC formulation was evaluated in field trials against German cockroaches. Excellent results were obtained with an application rate of 12.5 mg a.i./m2 with control lasting over several months, confirming the laboratory findings even under quite difficult field conditions.