Problem pests of 2014 - and how you can control them in 2015 .
By ElRay Roper, Senior Technical Representative, Syngenta Professional Pest Management
Although 2014 is now behind us, a look back may give Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) a good idea of what problem pests to expect in 2015. Not surprisingly, many of 2014’s problem pests have been challenging for several years, although some new insects are also gaining ground.
- Ants: Controlling ants has always been a challenge, and recent regulations on pyrethroid insecticide application sites could limit ant control options for PMPs. However, high-volume power sprays can be effective for controlling these pests. A recent study demonstrated that a high-volume spray (10 gal./1,000 ft.2) of Arilon® insecticide (0.05%) can provide more than 85 percent control of odorous house ants for up to 45 days.1 Due to its non-repellent formulation, Arilon cna also be used in conjunction with Advion® ant gel bait or Optigard® ant gel bait to provide more comprehensive control without spoiling the bait.
- Spiders: These pests can be hard to control in both residential and commercial accounts, and newer, non-repellent insecticides often don’t control spiders very well. However, microencapsulated pyrethroids such as Demand® CS insecticide and Tandem® insecticide can provide extended residual control of spiders. The recent revisions to these product labels also allow application to some common harborage sites for spiders.
- Cockroaches: The introduction of cockroach gel baits several years ago gave PMPs a great tool for managing cockroach populations. However, cockroaches have developed resistance over time, both behavioral and metabolic, to many gel baits. Strategies for cockroach control must be built on sound Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles such as inspection, sanitation, use of growth regulators and combinations of liquids and baits. In addition to offering Advion cockroach gel bait, Syngenta Professional Pest Management (PPM) offers a range of sprayable products such as Demand CS, Tandem, Archer® insect growth regulator and Demon® WP insecticide that can be used with or in a rotation program with baits. Syngenta PPM also has a very active research portfolio and continues to develop new solutions to control this challenging pest.
- Mosquitoes: The introduction of the Chikungunya virus into the U.S. in 2014, along with the continued threat of West Nile virus, has put a spotlight on mosquito control. This has resulted in new opportunities for PMPs to provide add-on services for residential mosquito management. The microencapsulated formulation of Demand CS, in combination with Archer, has been found to consistently give six to eight weeks of mosquito suppression.2, 3
- Elm seed bugs: In the Northwest region of the U.S., PMPs have been dealing with elm seed bugs, which were introduced into Idaho in 2010. These invasive pests become a problem by moving into structures to seek shelter from the heat when daytime temperatures exceed 85 degrees. Field tests conducted in 2014 demonstrated that Arilon and Tandem can help give homeowners relief from this invasive pest.4
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If past trends are any indication, we can expect to see these same problem insects in 2015. For more information about how to control these pests, please contact your local Syngenta sales representative.
1 Lee, M. Field comparison of Arilon to Alpine WSG and Fuse insecticides around structures for the control of odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile). Entomology Consultants, 2014.
2 Connelly. Barrier treatments for reduction of mosquitoes. University of Florida, 2014.
3 Brown, G. Archer and Demand CS for improved backyard mosquito suppression. University of Kentucky, 2014.
4 Gemtek Pest Control. Efficacy of Demand CS, Tandem, and Arilon for control of Elm Seed Bug on the outside of structures. Boise, Idaho, 2014.
In the State of New York, Tandem may only be applied for indoor uses.
©2015 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local Extension Service to ensure registration status. Advion®, Archer®, Arilon®, Demand®, Demon®, For Life Uninterrupted™, Optigard®, Tandem® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368).
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