16. Pesticide Fundamentals

What is a Pestiside

Broad term for a chemical control product used to control pests by (7)

killing/

repelling/

attracting/

/sterilising

Deterring

Disrupting mating

Modifying behaviour

What are the ways a pesticide controls pests?

By killing, repelling, attracting, suppressing, sterilising, deterring, disrupting mating, or modifying behavior.

Front: What are the 10 main types of pesticides used in pest control?

1. Insecticides

2. Termiticides

3. Rodenticides

4. Acaricides (Miticides)

5. Adulticides

6. Larvicides

7. Ovicides

8. Fungicides

9. Molluscicides

10. Avicides

What is a Adulticides

A pesticide used to control pests in their adult stage.

What is an insectiside

Pesticide used to control insects

What is an Acaricide

Pesticide used to control Ticks and mites

What is a Termiticide

Pesticide used to control termites

What is a rodenticide

Pesticide used to control Rodents

what is a Larvicides

A pesticide used to control pests in their larval stage.

what is a Ovicides

A pesticide used to control the eggs of pests.

what is a Fungicides

A pesticide used to control fungi and fungal decay in timber.

what is a Molluscicides

A pesticide used to control mollusks such as snails and slugs.

What is a Avicides

A pesticide used to control pest bird populations.

What is the pesticide product terminology used (6)

• Chemical family

• IRAC Group

• Mode of action

• Active constituents

• Formulation

• Product/brand name

What is the chemical family

a group of chemicals with a similar chemical structure and related properties, but which can contain different active constituents.

What is IRAQ Group

Groups insecticides mainly by mode of action/target site for resistance-management purposes

List the important IRAC group with their chemical family

1a - Carbamates

1b Organophosphates

2b Phenopyrazoles

3a Synthetic pyrethroid

4a Neonicotinoids

5 Spinosyns

6 Avermectins /milbemycins

7a,b,c Juvenile hormone receptor modulators

13 Pyrroles

15 Benzoylureas

20a Hydramethylnon

22a Oxadiazines

28 diamides

30 meta-diamides/Isoxazolines

What is Mode of action

the specific way a pesticide acts on a pest’s body or biological system.

What is active constituents

The Active chemical in a pesticide product that produces the pest-control effect.

What is a formulation

Formulation = the combination of the active constituent and other ingredients that make the pesticide into a usable physical from

What is the product name/Brand name

The commercial name given to the pesticide product sold by the manufacturer.

Name the 5 key terms used in pesticide safety and risk assessment.

• active constituent toxicity

• product/formulation toxicity

• Hazard

• Exposure

• Risk

What is active constituent toxicity?

The inherent toxicity of the active chemical itself.

The active constituent toxicity does not change

What is product/formulation toxicity?

The toxicity of the whole pesticide product as supplied, based on the active constituent concentration and the other ingredients in the formulation.
It can change if the concentration changes or it get diluted

What is Hazard?

the potential of a chemical to cause harm.

example - Poisoning, burns, eye damage, flammability or environmental harm

What is exposure

The amount/time and type of contact a person has with a pesticide.

example: Breathing it in, skin contact, eye contact or swallowing it for a certain amount of time and amount

What is Risk

How likely harm is to occur and how serious it could be, given the exposure

How do toxicity, hazard, exposure and risk change during pesticide handling?

1. Sealed and stored correctly

2. Mixing concentrate

3. Mixing concentrate with correct PPE

4. Concentrate diluted correctly with water

5. Diluted spray contacts bare skin

1. Sealed and stored correctly
Active/product toxicity: unchanged
Exposure: very low
Risk: low

2. Mixing concentrate
Toxicity/hazard: unchanged
Exposure: increases
Risk: increases

3. Mixing concentrate with correct PPE
Toxicity/hazard: unchanged
Exposure: reduced by PPE
Risk: reduced

4. Concentrate diluted correctly with water
Active constituent toxicity: unchanged
Final mixture toxicity/hazard: usually reduced because it is less concentrated
Risk: generally lower when handled correctly

5. Diluted spray contacts bare skin
Mixture toxicity: has not increased
Exposure: increases
Risk: increases

label the pesticide label

Signal Heading - Caution

It is the required poison-schedule warning showing the products scheduling classification

Schedule 5 = Caution

Schedule 6 = Poison

Schedule 7 = Dangerous poison

Signal heading

Schedule 5 =

Schedule 6 =

Schedule 7 =

Schedule 5 = Caution

Schedule 6 = Poison

Schedule 7 = Dangerous poison

Product Name - Seclira WSG Insecticide

The commercial/brand name of the registered product

Active Constituents 400g/kg

Includes active constituent and its concntration

IRAC Group - 4A

Groups insecticides mainly by mode of action/target site for resistance-management purposes

Product description/statement of claims

tells you what type of product it is and the broad pests/situations it is meant to control

APVMA approval number

Identifies the registered product and its approved label in Australia

Pesticide Label - Directions for use

The approved instructions for where, what, how much and how to treat.

Pesticide Label - Restraint

A condition stating when or how the product must NOT be used

Pesticide Labe - Situation

The place or environment where the pesticide is approved for use.

Pesticide Labe - Pest

tells us The pest the pesticide is approved to control.

Pesticide Labe - Rate

The amount of product to use for a given amount of water, area or application.

Pesticide Labe - Critical Comments

Specific instructions on how to apply the pesticide correctly.

General instruction
Mixing

Application

General instructions = overall rules for using the product

Mixing = how to prepare the pesticide mixture

Application = how and where to apply the pesticide

Resistance warning

Precautions

Resistance warning = gives the IRAC group and explains how to reduce resistance from repeated use.

Precautions = safety steps to reduce exposure, contamination or damage when using the product.

Re-Entry

Environmental Protection

Storage and disposal

Safety Directions

Re-Entry = Instructions when people can safely return to the treated area

Environmental Protection = Instructions to prevent harm to non-target animals and the environment

Storage and disposal =Instructions how to safely store and dispose of the pesticide

Safety Directions = Instructions on how to protect yourself when handling, mixing and applying the pesticide

First Aid

SDS reference

Hazard statement

Precautionary statement

First Aid = Immediate instruction to follow if exposure or poisoning occurs

SDS reference = Safety data Sheet - points to the Safety Data Sheet for more detailed chemical safety information

Hazard statement = describes the harm the chemical can cause

Precautionary statement = tells you what to do to prevent or reduce that harm

Route of entry vs Mode of action

Route of Entry = How it gets in

Mode of action = What it does once it gets there

What are the three main routes of entry?

Dermal/Contact Entry

Oral/Ingestion Entry

Respiratory/Fumigant Entry

What is Dermal/contract Entry

Give 3 examples

The pesticide enters through the insect’s cuticle/exoskeleton

• Insect directly sprayed

• Insect walks over dried residue (pesticide)

• Insect picks up dust

What is Oral/Ingestion Entry

Give two examples

The pesticide is eaten and enters through the digestive system

• Insect Eats bait

• Grooming pesticide from body

What is Respiratory/Fumigant Entry

give one example

Pesticide enters through the respiratory system

• True fumigant gas enters thorough the spiracles/tracheal system

A Product remains active on a surface for a period of time

Residual

A product works mainly at or shortly after application and leaves little useful ongoing activity

non-Residual

What is residual pesticide and what is it used for?

A pesticide that remains active after application, controlling pests that contact the treated area later.

practical uses

• Ongoing control: treat pest travel routes, harbourage or entry points so pest encounter the pesticide after you leave

• Useful for pests that emerge from hiding after treatment

what are some limitations of using a residual pesticide?

• cleaning, UV, heat, the type of surface, rain effect the residual life

• Residual does not mean it last indefinitely.

• Still needs to be the correct pesticide for the correct pest

what is a non-residual pesticide, what is it used for

a pesticide that provides no lasting control after application

Practical use

• short term control of pests present during treatment such as direct treatment on flying pest or cockroaches

• Useful when ongoing insecticide activity is not needed.

what are some limitations of using a non- residual pesticide?

• provides little protection against pests arriving later on

• Often need other measures to control an ongoing infestation

What are 6 factors that affect residual life

UV

Rain

Heat

Cleaning the surface

Moisture

The surface itself

What is a repentant pesticide, What is it used for?

A repellent pesticide That is detected by the pest causing the pest to avoid the Treated area

Practical uses

• Discourages entry: Great for entry points and barrier/Perimeter Treatments

What are the limitations of using a repellent pesticide?

• avoidance can reduce contact with the pesticide

• May redirect pest into untreated area or another area

• Can contaminate bait?

what is a non-repellent pesticide and what is it used for?

A non-repellent pesticide is the pesticide that pests don’t detect so don’t avoid the treated area.

Practical uses

• Grade for travel routes And harbourages: Pets continue moving through the Treated area and pick up pesticide

• Ant control: Some products allow exposed workers to transfer pesticide to other colony members

what are some limitations to using a non-repellent pesticide?

• control may be slower;

• it does not immediately discourage entry;

  
  

What is a flushing treatment, and when is it useful?

A treatment that drives pests out of hiding places often by irritating or disturbing them

Useful for:

• Finding hidden pests: Reveals cockroaches inside cracks and crevices

• Making piss accessible: Brings them out for vacuuming or direct treatment

What are some limitations of flashing treatment?

• may scatter pests into other areas;

• does not necessarily kill the pest;

• Chemical flushing can contaminate bait Placements

What is a knockdown treatment, and when is it useful?

A knockdown treatment rapidly incapacitates or immobilises pests after exposure.

Useful for:

• immediate reduction in pest activity:

• Useful rapid control is needed: Such as wasps

• Direct treatment

What are some limitations of knockdown treatment?

• Knockdown does not necessarily mean death

• Does not guarantee control of hidden pets, eggs or infestation sources?

What is a broad-spectrum pesticide, and when is it useful?

A broad-spectrum pesticide controls a wide range of pest species.

Useful for:

• treatments involving several different pests;

• general pest-control treatments;

• situations where broad control is required.

Limitations:

• may affect more non-target organisms;

• less selective than a narrow-spectrum pesticide;

• should only be used for pests and situations permitted by the label.

Easy memory: Broad = many pests.

What is a narrow-spectrum pesticide, and when is it useful?

A narrow-spectrum pesticide targets a limited range of pests or a specific pest group.

Useful for:

• targeted treatment of a known pest;

• reducing effects on non-target organisms;

• situations where selective control is preferred.

Limitations:

• will not control pests outside its target range;

• may require a different product if several pest types are present.

Easy memory: Narrow = specific pests.

What keeps working after application?

Residual

What drives pests out of harbourages?

Flushing

What can pests detect and avoid?

Repellent

What has little or no useful ongoing surface activity?

Non-residual

What is not readily detected or avoided?

Non-repellent

What rapidly incapacitates pests?

Knockdown

What controls many pest types?

Broad-spectrum

Ongoing barrier that discourages crossing?

Repellent + residual

What targets a limited range of pests?

Narrow-spectrum

Ongoing barrier that discourages crossing?

Repellent + residual

General multi-pest treatment with ongoing control?

Broad-spectrum + residual

Social ants travelling across a treated surface without avoidance?

Non-repellent + residual

Force hidden pests out and stop them quickly?

Flushing + knockdown

What question does each pesticide characteristic answer?

Residual / non-residual → How long does it work?
Repellent / non-repellent → Do pests detect/avoid it?
Knockdown → How quickly does it stop the pest?
Flushing → Does it drive hidden pests out?
Broad / narrow spectrum → How many pest types does it target?

Which pesticide properties are useful for direct treatment, and why?

For immediate control: Fast knockdown.

• You apply the pesticide directly to an exposed pest, so rapid action is useful.

• Non-residual may be sufficient if ongoing protection is unnecessary.

• Residual may be useful if the treated location also needs continuing control.

Which pesticide properties are useful for crack-and-crevice treatment, and why?

For ongoing control: Residual + non-repellent is often useful.

• Residual: Continues working when hidden pests emerge later.

• Non-repellent: Allows pests to use treated hiding places and routes without being driven away.

Different goal: If you want to bring pests out for inspection or removal, flushing may be useful instead. Avoid contaminating bait placements.

Which pesticide properties are useful for spot treatment, and why?

For a recurring activity hotspot: Residual; often non-repellent.

• Residual: Controls pests that return to the small treated area.

• Non-repellent: Useful when you want pests to continue crossing or resting there.

Different goal: If you are treating exposed pests in that spot for immediate control, fast knockdown may be the priority.

Which pesticide properties are useful for void treatment, and why?

For ongoing control: Residual + non-repellent is often useful.

• Residual: Continues working inside concealed spaces.

• Non-repellent: Allows pests to enter and move through the treated void.

Delivery example: A suitable insecticidal dust can remain effective in a dry, undisturbed void. Dusts vary—do not assume every dust is non-repellent.

Which pesticide properties are useful for general surface treatment, and why?

For ongoing control: Residual is usually the key property.

• It controls pests that cross or rest on the surface later.

• Non-repellent: Useful when continued contact with the surface is important.

• Repellent: Can suit some general pest treatments, but avoidance may reduce exposure.

Which pesticide properties are useful for perimeter/barrier treatment, and why?

Two useful options, depending on the goal:

• Residual + repellent: Can help deter or kill susceptible pests around entry points.

• Residual + non-repellent: Allows pests to cross the treatment and receive a dose; particularly useful for ant trails. Some products also allow transfer to nestmates.

What should you AVOID if several different pest species need control?

A narrow-spectrum product that does not cover all target pests.

What should you AVOID relying on if you need to control hidden pests or the source of an infestation?

Knockdown alone

What should you NOT assume after a pest is knocked down?

That knockdown automatically means death

What should you AVOID if you do not want a persistent pesticide residue on a surface?

residual treatment

What should you AVOID if you want pests to enter and contact a treated zone rather than stay away from it?

A repellent treatment

You want a treated barrier around a house that discourages pests from crossing and keeps working. What characteristics would be useful?

Repellent + residual

Repellent → discourages pests from crossing.
Residual → keeps working after application.

You are doing a general exterior treatment for several pest types and want ongoing control. What characteristics would be useful?

Broad-spectrum + residual

Broad-spectrum → controls several labelled pest types.
Residual → provides ongoing control after application.

Repellent or non-repellent is then chosen according to the pest and treatment strategy.

You want ants to continue walking normally across a treated area without detecting and avoiding it. What characteristics would be useful?

Non-repellent + residual

Non-repellent → ants continue travelling normally and contact the treatment.
Residual → treatment remains active for ants contacting it later.

You want to find cockroaches hidden deep inside cracks and harbourages. What type of treatment is useful?

Flushing

It irritates/excites hidden pests and drives them out, allowing you to find where they are harbouring.

Useful secondary characteristics:

• Repellent/irritant — encourages the cockroaches to move away from the treated harbourage.

• Non-residual — useful when the purpose is mainly inspection/flushing and you do not want a lasting residue.

You need immediate control of exposed wasps. What characteristic is most important?

Rapidly incapacitates the pest when immediate control matters.

You only need immediate control and do not want useful pesticide activity remaining on the surface afterwards. What would you choose?

Non-residual, often with knockdown if rapid control is required.

Non-residual → little or no useful ongoing surface activity.
Knockdown → rapid control.