[Product Innovation] A New Model for Liquid Termite Treatment

For many pest management technicians, doing a liquid termite job is like working on the chain gang. Drilling and trenching take a physical toll, not to mention a lot of time.

That’s about to change. In May, BASF will introduce a new liquid treatment technology that could transform the way PMPs do termite work.

Termidor High-Efficiency Termiticide Copack “utilizes 50 percent less water, it utilizes 33 percent less labor” and it delivers “100 percent Termidor” effectiveness, said Dan Carrothers, business manager for BASF Pest Control Solutions.

Termidor HE Copack is “the most important change” Raymond Meyers has experienced in 40 years of doing termite work. An industry consultant and owner of Pro-Line Professional Service in Lake Mary, Fla., he helped field trial the product on four houses with active termite infestations.
 

Based on their respective labels, one bottle of Termidor HE Copack is mixed with 50 gallons of water (left), while one bottle of Termidor SC is mixed with 100 gallons of water (right). While the same amount of active ingredient will be applied to the soil, Termidor HE Copack requires half the water, resulting in greater eco-efficiency and cost savings. (Source: BASF Pest Control Solutions)

The time savings were significant, said Mike Saldivar, general manager of Action Termite Control in Phoenix, who also tested the product. Treating a house with Termidor HE Copack took about 35 minutes; Treating a same-size house with Termidor SC took two and a half hours, he explained.

This is a “brand new era of termiticide treatment in the U.S.,” said Jan Buberl, director of BASF Specialty Products.
 

Less Water = Less Labor. Termidor HE requires 50 percent less water than Termidor SC or Termidor 80 WG applications with no reduction in active ingredient in the soil. For a 200-linear-foot home, as few as 40 gallons (334 pounds) of finished solution are needed compared to 80 gallons (667 pounds) for industry standard treatments.

BASF motion studies tracked the time PMPs spent filling and mixing tanks and applying solution. Using the new product, half the time is needed to complete these actions.

Using less water also lets PMPs significantly change application methods, such as digging trenches that are 77 percent smaller.

Trenching requires “great physical effort,” reminded Meyers. Termidor HE Copack requires a trench only two-inches-deep by four-inches-wide compared to the traditional six-inch by six-inch trench. This “really reduces the labor” involved, said Meyers. For a 200-linear-foot home, one ton less soil needs removing and replacing.

The new technology lets PMPs drill 33 percent fewer slab holes: one every 18 inches instead of every 12 inches. Compared to standard treatment, four fewer drill holes are required every 10 linear feet. For a 200-linear-foot home, 80 fewer drill holes are needed.
 

PMPs also don’t have to rod and drill as deep: Termidor HE Copack requires a two-foot treatment depth.

This is a big advantage in areas like the Midwest where deeper foundations traditionally require PMPs to treat to a depth of four feet, said Dr. Bob Davis, market development specialist at BASF Pest Control Solutions.

Meyers said the product offers a “significant reduction in time and labor and liability.” His technicians are “happier than a toad” about saving labor, which he said could drop as much as 50 percent once crews get more familiar applying the product.

He also expects “a pretty significant reduction in costs associated with equipment.” Meyers may switch to a smaller tank truck that uses less fuel. Drill bits and rods won’t wear out as quickly, either.

Productivity also could jump. Salvidar expects technicians will perform three termite treatments a day instead of two. Less manual labor means “you’re not killing your guys.” They have more time to “focus on what’s really going on and making sure problems are getting solved.”
 

In the case of a 200 linear foot home, the amount of soil that needs to be removed and replaced with Termidor HE Copack is significantly less than with industry standard treatments. (Source: BASF Pest Control Solutions)

How Does it Work? Termidor HE Copack builds on the Termidor SC formulation by adding a proprietary molecule that’s hydrophilic (water-loving) on its periphery and lipohilic (water-repelling) at its core. This forms a weak bond between the termiticide and its water carrier and temporarily “boosts” the transport of fipronil into the soil, where it is “locked in place” and does not pose a threat to groundwater, said Davis.

The proprietary molecules “help us position the material in the soil where we want it to be,” he explained.

University studies show the highest level of termite foraging occurs in the top 18 inches of soil and “that’s where we are putting our treatments,” said Davis.

BASF scientists analyzed more than 500 compounds over five years in developing the technology. It’s the most significant change for Termidor products since PerimeterPlus was introduced eight years ago.

The company received federal registration for Termidor HE Copack in February. It worked closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop modeling studies on how the material dispersed in soil.

It also provided the agency with data from field studies held across the country. About 150 separate structures with different foundation types (e.g., monolithic slabs, floating slabs, basements, crawlspaces) were treated. Various termite species also were targeted. The studies provide “good efficacy data that every PMP can evaluate for their situation across the country,” said Davis.

Most states are expected to register the product this spring.
 

Leveraging Knowledge. The creation of Termidor HE Copack is a classic example of how BASF leverages knowledge across business units to make better innovations for the marketplace, said Buberl.

The product sets a new efficacy standard that “other folks are going to have to meet in the future,” said Davis.

It really is a “complete game changer,” said Carrothers. It’s likely the first time molecular technology has significantly impacted PMPs’ biggest cost — labor — without compromising efficacy. He said BASF will continue to develop products that help PMPs achieve success and sustainability.

“I was impressed,” said Salvidar of Termidor HE Copack’s effectiveness in the field. “I think it’s going to be a good product.”
 

For every 10 linear feet, 4 fewer drill holes are required with Termidor HE Copack versus industry standard treatments. This means, for a 200 linear foot home, as many as 80 fewer drill holes, or 35% fewer drill holes, are required. (Source: BASF Pest Control Solutions)

The author is a frequent contributor to PCT magazine. She can be reached at anagro@gie.net.