THE APPLICATION OF ADVANCED WATER BASED TECHNOLOGY IN THE CONTROL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HYGIENE INSECT PESTS

Abstract:
Patented Film Forming Aqueous Spray Technology or 'FFAST' has been used to develop AquaPy, a water based product containing synergised pyrethrins for use in the control of public health and hygiene pests. This product is highly flexible and can be applied undiluted through Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayers, or can be diluted with water for use in mist generators, thermal foggers or compression sprayers for surface applications. One of the major advantages of this formulation over existing pyrethrin containing products is the extremely low mineral hydrocarbon content which makes it ideally suited for use in food handling areas and in commodity stores, such as tobacco bonds. When applied indoors as a ULV in large scale trials against a wide range of stored product and hygiene insects, the biological performance of this water-based formulation was at least equivalent and often superior to comparable oil based products. Field trials were also conducted against infestations of Blattella germanica. Application of water diluted product as a surface spray gave good flushout and knockdown, and rapidly achieved control, with insect numbers falling by 97% within one day. However, due to the short persistence of pyrethrins cockroach numbers had increased to 33%) of pre-treatment levels after 54 days. Control was maintained for over 90 days following re-treatment with AquaPy applied alongside slower acting hydramethylon gel baits. These results demonstrate how this formulation can be used in an integrated approach, making it ideal for use in insecticide sensitive locations.