USE OF MULTIPLE FIELD TECHNIQUES TO EVALUATE PERFOR MANCE OF DELTAMETHRIN SUSPENSION CONCENTRATE TERMITICIDE IN THE USA

Abstract:
Termiticidal activity of deltamethrin as a technical and/or formulated material has been well documented around the world by governmental and university researchers in laboratory and long-term field evaluations. United States Department of Agriculture- Forest Service (USDA-FS) ”Gulfport” field testing provides basic insight into soil termiticide longevity for Reticulitermes spp. in southeastern states and Heterotermes sp. in the southwestern USA by use of ground board (GB) and concrete slab (CS) tests. The GB and CS tests simulate a pre-construction scenario with a surface drench. Additional testing is required to document performance with other treatment regimes in other areas of the country with different soils, conditions and termite species, as well as to evaluate new formulations. and use rates. The extension of GB-type tests was made into regional field plots with differing soil types, environmental conditions and termite species. This plus soil sampling for residual or biological assays provides additional observations beyond natural termite attack ratings. A priority is placed on annual chemical residual assays. Testing with soil incorporation of termiticide mimics a thorough post-construction treatment. Further use of the soil samples for repellency/mortality tunneling bioassays from soil samples supplements the detailed degradation curves in diverse soil types and conditions. Such tests are routinely run in multiple representative locations within some states by university researchers. Soil incorporation treatments of simulated foundations and homes in key areas allowed residue and performance monitoring under more diverse soil pH conditions Pest control operator (PCO) treatment of homes, including soil residue analysis and bioassays in key regional areas further confirms protection of structures and commercial feasibility of the product. Re-evaluation of deltamethrin (DeltaGardÒ TC) as a suspension concentrate in Gulfport trials, as well as university, consultant and industry tests found superior performance at lower use rates than found with the original emulsifiable concentrate formulation.