New Termite Product Guide

The termite control market is an ever-changing one. New technology is creating non-traditional termiticides, as well as new termite baiting options, yet traditional termiticides are still a viable option in many cases.

"You’re going to see new chemistries take a larger hold," said Ian Robinson, vice president, technical operations, Sears Termite & Pest Control, Orlando, Fla. "I don’t think baits are going to take over totally. Termite control is very much a shared approach."

Customers are demanding more from PCOs regarding their termite control programs. Not only do they want a successful control program once termites are discovered on their property but they also want termites to be prevented from ever making their presence known. In fact, 52 percent of people surveyed believed a pest control company should provide a free treatment and repair any damage if the company doesn’t note any signs of termites on the company’s inspection report and termites are found within a year after the customer moves in (see Termites and Public Attitudes)..

"Customers want to know that PCOs are using everything available to them (for termite control)," Robinson said.

Here, we’ve compiled some of the newest termite products available. Next month, we’ll have an additional listing including products from Term-A-Rid, Tramex and Ensystex. Manufacturers, if your newest termite product isn’t listed, please send product information to Jodi Dorsch, 4012 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Your product will appear in an upcoming issue of PCT magazine.

There’s a new termiticide in town. Fipronil, the active ingredient in Termidor, is the first in a new family of insecticides called phenyl-pyrazoles. Fipronil, manufactured by Aventis, distinguishes itself from other classes of commercially available insecticides by offering high levels of insecticidal activity and residual control at extremely low doses.

Fipronil works by both contact and ingestion, is non-repellent and shows no cross-resistance with established classes of insecticide.

Stay tuned to PCT magazine for news regarding the product’s release.

B&G Equipment Company announces another addition to its Perimeter Patrol System. The new Termite Pouch is a clear, above-the-ground termite monitoring system that allows PCOs to check for termites just by looking — with no lids or covers to remove. PCOs don’t have to drill holes to install the Termite Pouch.

The Termite Pouch consists of a sturdy plastic receptacle that contains special fiber paper that is conducive to termite feeding behaviors. The underside of the pouch has four holes for access to termites and moisture. The top of the Termite Pouch is clear, making inspection quick and easy, according to the company.

A 3- or 6-inch spike and a Bait Station or Ants-Only Station secure the Termite Pouch while simultaneously monitoring and baiting other crawling insects.

For more information call 800/544-8811.

Executive Pest Control Products introduces Super Plugs, a product that is designed to seal drilled holes in concrete. Super Plugs are designed to not only seal the drilled hole but to fit ½", 9/16" and 5/8" size holes.

This allows the technician to use different size bits for different application methods and still be able to use one size plug to seal them, eliminating the need to carry multiple-size plugs. Super Plugs seal the treatment holes and force the termiticide to stay under the slab rather than to "geyser" out of the last drilled hole. This devise allows the termite specialist to complete a more thorough treatment without exposing the technician or sensitive areas of the structure to termiticide.

Technicians have long had a problem with hard clay soils accepting the proper amount of fluids sometimes found under slab type construction. Super Plugs help to solve this problem while adding a neat and professional appearance to the job.

For more information call 817/441-8050.

FMC introduces Smartrak Software Version 1.0, the newest addition to Systematic Termite Control. Introduced as "the intelligent way to manage your termite bait business," Smartrak can help PCOs increase their bottom line. This innovative software program has been designed to help PCOs manage and monitor every termite baiting job. Smartrak Software enables PCOs to diagram structures, monitor and record termite activity, indicate the location of conducive conditions and provide a detailed listing that shows the placement of every monitoring and bait station. The desktop package is a valuable business manage ment tool in the office and service technicians using handheld computers convey a professional image to homeowners, the company says.

In addition to helping PCOs manage their termite business more profitably, there are no maintenance fees or time spent reporting information back to FMC.

Systematic Termite Control is the only totally integrated system of products for effective termite control and long-term termite protection featuring FirstLine GT Plus Termite Bait Stations, SMARTDISC Locator and Monitoring Stations and Talstar Termiticide/Insecticide.

For more information call 800/874-7594.

Sector Diagnostics offers Termatrol, its complete line of termite (and general pest baiting) stations. The system features a basic station to bait for termites foraging in the soil around a structure. The new Eliminator station gives PCOs the flexibility to bait for termites below the surface while using general pest baits above the ground to control ants. Other stations allow for monitoring wall voids, near construction joints, plumbing penetrations and directly through concrete.

Some PCOs use the Ter-matrol system with a conventional treatment while others use it as a standalone system. There are currently seven active ingredients that can be used in conjunction with the system, the company says. PCOs can choose their own active ingredients and are postured for the introduction of new products as they become available. PCOs design the system that’s best for them and their customers. This can include Ter-matrol as part of an integrated conventional application or simply as a detection/monitoring service.

Termatrol also offers assistance in the development of brochures, creating custom stations and designing record-keeping forms.

"Termatrol provides very good versatility, which this industry needs," said Ian Robinson, vice president, technical operations, Sears Termite & Pest Control, Orlando, Fla. "The stations are durable and easy to install." Sears currently has more than 100,000 stations in use, Robinson said.

For more information call 888/303-3772.