5 Questions with Dr. Jamel Sandidge

1. What are some common misconceptions about using bio-sanitation or bio-cleaning products in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services?

First, it’s important to understand that bio-sanitation products are cleaners, not pesticides. They do not directly kill pests, nor do they directly affect eggs, larvae or nymphs, pupae or adult stages of pest species. They do, however, make conditions unfavorable for many pest species by helping to eliminate the food debris and organic matter that gets trapped in their favorite places (think cracks and crevices, drains, dumpsters and trash bins, on surfaces, etc.). Bio-sanitation also helps drains run freely by breaking down food waste particles, preventing the buildup of organic materials along the pipe and reducing wastewater backups.

Bio-sanitation works on a microscopic scale and is most beneficial when done routinely. The microbes found in these products help to reduce and eliminate organic materials (like fats, oils, carbohydrates, proteins, etc.), but they are not as effective at breaking down large particles, heavy deposits of organic matter, or heavy layers of grease and grime. Therefore, surfaces should be cleaned prior to application, and heavy, visible buildup removed prior to the application of bio-sanitation products.

2. Are all microbial bio-sanitation products the same?

Bio-sanitation products generally contain a blend of microbial strains, each continuously producing enzymes for a specific purpose. For example, lipase is an enzyme produced by a specific strain of microbes that breaks down fats and oils, while protease is an enzyme produced by microbes that breaks down protein. The nature of this process means that not all bio-sanitation products are created equal. Some may be better than others, simply depending on the organic material found in that area and the specific blend of microbes in the product. Bac-Azap® and Foam Fresh® Bio-Sanitation Foam are both products that contain specialized microbes that continuously produce enzymes to specifically aid in the elimination of the types of organic matter most commonly found in commercial food facilities and residential homes.

3. What is the difference between Nibor-D® + IGR Insecticide Foam and bio-sanitation products?

Nibor-D + IGR is an insecticide and is labeled for the control and prevention of insects. Once applied to a surface, crack, void or drain, the active ingredients work to kill current insect populations and stop the next generation in four ways. First, it works by direct contact, then through the residual deposits of the active ingredients that render breeding and feeding materials toxic to target pests. Third, the insect growth regulator (IGR) impacts target populations via reproductive inhibition, suppressing the growth and development of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. Finally, it helps prevent infestation. In contrast, Foam Fresh Bio-Sanitation Foam is a bio-cleaner that contains beneficial microbes like the ones mentioned earlier. It is formulated to break down organic debris, biofilm and buildup from fats, oils, grease, carbohydrates, urine and cellulose, among other things. While the two products complement one another, they are designed for different phases of IPM service.

4. Why is foam a more powerful carrier than a gel or liquid?

When foam is applied to a crevice, void or drain, it covers all surfaces with the active ingredient. This is important because when water flows through a pipe, it does not fill it entirely. Instead, water flows in the lower 1/8 of the pipe after passing the p-trap. So, when bio-cleaners or pesticidal liquids are poured into a drain, or when a drain gel is applied around the edges of a drain, they end up only touching the portions of the pipe where water is flowing. This method leaves the upper surface of the pipe where food particles accumulate and where pests are located untouched.

When Nibor-D + IGR is used in a pipe or void, all organisms of all life stages in the area are contacted directly with DOT (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) and pyriproxyfen, stopping the current and future generation simultaneously. The AIs then cling to the surface where it will not be washed away by water flowing through the pipe, providing 3D coverage. A similar process happens when using a bio-sanitation foam: the foam expands to fill the space, leaving residual beneficial microbes on all of the surfaces where organic debris builds up.

5. How can Foam Fresh and Nibor-D Insecticide Foam + IGR be used together?

These two products combine to produce powerful and rapid results. Apply Nibor-D + IGR on your initial service to provide rapid knockdown of adults and prevent the next generation. Applying ready-to-use Nibor-D + IGR foam will speed up service by eliminating the time spent mixing, moving around equipment, removing drain grates, etc. During the same visit, or even at the next, you can apply Foam Fresh to all scummy surfaces where buildup of organic material is present. Foam Fresh is also ready to go right in the can, meaning you can add in an additional step without adding in much additional time. After the insect population has been reduced, continue to use Nibor-D + IGR and Foam Fresh on a regular basis to control the cockroaches and flies that are introduced to the kitchen with every delivery. This practice also reduces the chances of buildup reoccurring on surfaces, floors, drains and other spots. Always encourage your clients to participate in the control process by continuing the upkeep between your scheduled services.