Dusting of Active Termites
The dusting process is usually Stage 1 of a 2 stage termite treatment program. The second stage involves placement of a chemical barrier in the ground or use of some additional strategy. In some cases dusts can also be used in monitoring stations when significant activity is discovered. Dusting by itself is a very risky undertaking as termites can readily reinfest. Three products are available to perform dustings. These are Termidor Dust, Intrigue and Arsenic Trioxide.
Small holes are made in timber that has been attacked or into the termite trails, dust is then applied into the workings through the holes by means of a small puffer and the holes covered to re-seal the workings and to prevent dust escaping. Please refer to the information below on the different dust formulations.
Termidor Dust
Termidor Dust is non repellent and is 95.5% food alpha cellulose which is the same material used as the food source in most of the termite bait systems. The termites will go about their normal activities long enough to transfer the Termidor Dust to numerous other unsuspecting termites, until it is spread throughout the colony. By the time they begin feeling the effects, it’s too late, the colony has received a lethal dose. Numerous dustings may be necessary to claim elimination.
Intrigue
A new approach to dusting using current technology. Intrigue contains an insect growth regulator, Triflumuron, which inhibits the production of chitin which is necessary to produce the hard outer skeleton of termites. Termites must shed their skin (moult) in order to grow. The Intrigue is introduced to active termite workings and is picked up by workers who pass on the triflumeron to all that they come into contact with in the colony either through feeding or by grooming. Termites that have been in contact with Intrigue will die at their next moult as they will be unable to produce chitin to form their outer skin. It is a slow acting material and at least 28 days must elapse before a second stage treatment is performed.
Only organisms which produce chitin can be affected. As Humans and other Mammals do not produce chitin it has no effect on people or animals and it can therefore be used with complete safety in all household, commercial and domestic situations.
Arsenic Trioxide
Arsenic Trioxide ( a slow acting stomach poison ) is used to eradicate undisturbed existing termite activity by introducing a fine coating of arsenic dust into the interior of active termite workings. The dust adheres to the bodies of the termites in the workings, but does not kill them immediately. As they return to the colony they will pass the dust on to other termites in the colony when grooming other termites. It takes between 10 – 20 days for this part of the treatment to take full effect. It is important that termite activity is not disturbed prior to or after this part of the treatment for it to have full effect. Some Termite species are not able to be dusted successfully with Arsenic Trioxide.
For all of your termite control needs please contact us.
