[Technically Speaking] All Termiticides Aren’t Created Equal

Editor’s note: The box here isn’t intended to provide an update on termiticide labels but to prompt you to review product labels and consider specific labeling statements that may weigh in your decision on what product to use. (Please note these examples compare a repellent product [product X] with a non-repellent [product Y.])

One of the most important things pest management professionals can do this time of year is prepare for the upcoming termite season. Arguably, some of you might say, “If it’s like last season why bother?” The point is we never know how the season will go, however, undoubtedly there will be some opportunities to perform termite work.

All of us look at termiticides in different ways. Manufacturers are most interested in extolling the virtues of their products, e.g., efficacy, longer residual life, repellent vs. non-repellent, type of active ingredient, final concentration, ease of mixing and price.

From an owner’s/manager’s perspective, all too often the most important element is cost and secondarily, whether the product is a repellent or non-repellent. This is patently obvious when we examine the pricing for pre-treatments and the selection of products (I won’t get on that soapbox in this column).

However, there is a much more important element in the termiticide selection process, i.e., labeling. Unfortunately, none of us have the time to read every registered termiticide label, however, it is imperative that we review our termiticide labels annually and look at other termiticide labels that may prove more operationally beneficial.

Although the Environmental Protection Agency standardized termiticide labels in 1998, this process didn’t make them equal and there are many differences in product labels that limit or expand what we can do with a particular product. Don’t assume that the labeling on two products even from the same manufacturer are the same — many of the differences are predicated on the active ingredient. Furthermore, manufacturers occasionally change their labels and unless you are vigilant about checking the dates on the label, you can miss it. It would be great if when manufacturers change their labels they would have to highlight the changes (for at least the first year).

CLOSING THOUGHTS. The examples in the above chart are a sample of just a few of the variations in termiticide labels and considering the fact that there are more than 100 registered termiticides, and possibly more generics on the way, comparing products is a challenge. Annually it is imperative that product labels be reviewed not only for changes but to ensure that technicians are familiar with the products they are using. Most importantly — assume nothing.  

The author is president of Innovative Pest Management, Brookeville, Md. He can be reached at 301/570-3900.