16. Pesticide Fundamentals

What is a Pestiside

Broad term for a product used to control pests by killing/repelling/attracting/supressing/sterilising

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

Pesticide used to control insects

Insecticide

Pesticide used to control Ticks and mites

acaricide

Pesticide used to control termites

Termiticide

Pesticide used to control Rodents

Rodenticide

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

A Product remains active on a treated surface for a period of time after application

What is non-residual

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

When would you choose a residual pesticide?

• Choose a residual pesticide when you need ongoing control after application.

  It remains active on a treated surface and controls pests that later walk, rest or hide there.

  Best used on:

  • predictable pest travel routes;

  • harbourages and resting sites;

  • surfaces where lasting protection is needed.

When would you choose a non-residual pesticide?

• Choose a non-residual pesticide when you need immediate or short-term control without lasting surface activity.

  Common uses include:

  • flushing pests from harbourages;

  • space treatments for exposed flying insects;

  • direct-contact treatments;

  • areas where a persistent residue is unnecessary or unsuitable.

What are 6 factors that affect residual life

UV

Rain

Heat

Cleaning the surface

Moisture

The surface itself

what is repellent

A repellent pesticide is detected or avoided by pests, discouraging them from crossing or remaining on a treated surface.

What is non-repellent

A non-repellent pesticide is not readily detected or avoided, so pests continue moving normally and contact the treatment.

What is a repellent pesticide, and when is it useful?

• A repellent pesticide is detected or avoided by pests, discouraging them from crossing or remaining on a treated surface.

  Useful for:

  • flushing treatments

  • discouraging pests from entering a treated zone;

  • some perimeter and barrier treatments.

  Limitations:

  • may push or scatter pests into other areas;

  • pests may avoid receiving a lethal dose;

  • can disrupt normal foraging;

  • may interfere with baiting if applied near bait.

What is a non-repellent pesticide, and when is it useful?

A non-repellent pesticide is not readily detected or avoided, so pests continue moving normally and contact the treatment.

• Useful for:

  • hidden or social pests such as ants, termites and German cockroaches;

  • treating travel routes and harbourages;

  • supporting transfer between pests where the product and species allow it.

  Limitations:

  • control may be slower;

  • it does not immediately discourage entry;

  • correct placement and coverage are essential.

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

A flushing treatment irritates or excites pests, causing them to leave cracks, crevices and harbourages.

Useful for:

• finding where hidden pests are harbouring;

• confirming pest activity during an inspection;

• forcing pests out of deep cracks or voids;

• exposing hidden pests to another treatment.

Limitations:

• may scatter pests into other areas;

• does not necessarily kill the pest;

• poor use can make control more difficult.

Easy memory: Flushing = drives pests out.

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

A knockdown treatment rapidly incapacitates or immobilises pests after exposure.

Useful for:

• rapid visible control of exposed pests;

• flying insects;

• situations where immediate control is important, such as wasps;

• quickly stopping pest movement.

Limitations:

• knockdown does not always mean death;

• may provide little or no long-term residual control;

• does not necessarily control hidden pests or the source of the infestation.

Easy memory: Knockdown = stops pests quickly.

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?

What should you AVOID using near insect bait?

Repellent sprays or strong-smelling products that may contaminate the bait and cause avoidance.

What should you AVOID if you need long-lasting control after the technician leaves?

Non-residual treatment alone

What should you AVOID if you need immediate control of exposed wasps?

A slow-acting treatment without rapid knockdown

What should you AVOID if you want ants to cross a treated surface normally?

Repellent pesticide

What should you AVOID if you are trying to keep hidden cockroaches concentrated in one harbourage?

Poorly used flushing or repellent treatment, because it may scatter them.

What should you AVOID if the aim is selective control of one pest group?

An unnecessarily broad-spectrum pesticide

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.

Pests regularly travel along the same surface and you want them controlled even after you leave. What characteristic is important?

Residual

The pesticide remains active on the treated surface and controls pests that contact it later.

You know exactly which pest you are targeting and want more selective control. What characteristic may be useful?

You need to force hidden cockroaches out and quickly stop them once exposed. What combination is useful?

Flushing + knockdown

Flushing → drives them out.
Knockdown → rapidly incapacitates them once exposed.

You are performing a general pest treatment involving several different pest species. What characteristic may be useful?

Broad-spectrum

Controls a wide range of labelled pest species.

You are treating a social pest and do not want the pesticide to cause avoidance or scatter the colony. What characteristic may be useful?

Non-repellent

Pests do not readily detect or avoid the treatment, so normal movement and contact can continue.

You are using insect bait. What type of spray should you generally avoid contaminating the bait with?

Repellent spray

Repellent contamination or strong odours may cause pests to avoid the bait.

Always follow the individual product labels.