With summer coming to a close, as a homeowner, I have to think about what the animals (pests) that are outside will do when colder weather blows in. I would prefer they not come into my home but sometimes that is out of my control. This is where a Pest Control company comes in handy and I have one that my NJ people should totally check out!! For this #ScienceSunday, let’s talk about the science of pest control and how companies like Surf Termite and Pest Control – Neptune City do their work safely and effectively!
There are three big-name chemicals that are used to kill termites specifically. They are fipronil, imidacloprid, and hexaflumuron. Although they are used for the same function, their chemical properties vary significantly.
Fipronil belongs to the phenylpyrazole family and disrupts the nervous system of the termite by blocking GABA-gated chloride channels and glutamate-gated chloride channels ultimately leading to overexcitation of the termite’s nerves and muscles causing them to die almost instantaneously. It is well known for a preventative treatment as well as a treatment for existing infestations. Normally, it is mixed with water and applied underground along the foundation of homes to prevent termite infestations.
Imidacloprid is a synthetic insecticide derived from nicotine. It acts as a neurotoxin against the central nervous system of the termite that causes a buildup of a nicotine like compound that can not get broken down by interfering with the stimulation in the nervous system ultimately leading to death. Due to its slow-acting properties, it makes for a good solution to rid of all termites because if a single termite ingests or comes into contact with imidacloprid, it can then travel back to the colony and infect the other termites and the queen leading to the death of the entire colony.
Hexaflumuron is a compound specifically made for ridding termites which lends itself to it being a baiting system rather than an immediate action system. It works by disrupting the termite’s ability to shed its exoskeleton stopping the termite from growing. When one termite comes in contact with the hexaflumuron baiting system, it leaves a trail for the others to go find it as well and once every termite comes in contact, they die, killing the entire colony. As per the Environmental Protection Agency, Hexaflumuron is a reduced risk option for an insecticide in comparison to the other liquid insecticides.
In the beginning synthesis of insecticides, many were from plant extracts and considered to be naturally based however, as chemical synthesis developed over time, these products were then moved to synthetic processes. By switching from natural to synthetic, companies can manufacture the insecticide on a large scale without having to worry about the supply of plant extracts ever running out.
Many of these substances are toxic so it is highly recommended to use caution when using them or to allow professionals to take care of any application. It is also important to keep in mind that these are toxic to humans so they are also toxic to house pets so please be aware of where your animals are when you or a professional are applying them.
Image: Surf Termite and Pest Control
Surf Termite and Pest Control offers many services that can tackle all types of pests as well as specials to keep costs reasonable! This efficient business prides itself on keeping you safe from harm as well as making sure that you know what to look for if these pests are starting to come into or around your home. They offer various plans to cover termites or any other pests that may have encountered an area of your home including fleas, digger peas or carpenter ants. You can rest assured that the team also sells you what you and your home need to maintain this environment and live pest-free. .If you live in the Neptune City area and are looking for an exterminator to help you, be sure to check them out for any questions or conners you have.
I would love to look into other more natural and less toxic to house pets ways of controlling pests but as long as the Environmental Protection Agency is regulating the products I think these are great options for controlling pests and termites! If you are ever curious about a specific product, you can go to the EPA website and look up the products Certificate of Analysis (COA). This will give every bit of information you would want to know about the product that comes directly from the manufacturing company. If you live in the Neptune City area and are looking for an exterminator to help you, be sure to check them out.
Research is always being conducted at universities (go PhD students and thanks for doing it!) to find other insecticide solutions. They are also looking into the best way of disposing them to stop the endless cycle of environmental pollutants. This goes into a never ending debate into the environment and what we can do to protect it rather than harm it. (But that is a conversation for another time lol).
Hope this gives a little clarification on Surf Termite and Pest Control as well as the mechanism of action of the most well known termiticides!
Xox, Z
