Answers
May 09, 2013 - 12:07 PM
Hi Richard. If you are using the KM Ant Pro System, then spraying ANY insecticide outdoors or anywhere near these stations will hinder your ant control efforts. Reason is that you will kill the worker ants that are feeding on the bait in the KM Ant Pros Stations.
Deer ticks are a life threatening pest, I would not take them lightly. I have another posted answer on Deer Ticks - Click Here.
Fipronyl is not labeled to be used on yards as an overall spray treatment for anything. Bifenthrin is labeled for this use, and probably the best choice.
Essentria is ok, and as a GREEN product, one that should be considered. However, there is very little residual when using this product and the repellency wears off within a few days. Riptide is essentially the same, only you a quick kill (pyrethrum base) and little to no residual.
You might consider using Mosquito Barrier as a green alternative. It won't kill the ticks, but according to the manufacturer has excellent repellency towards most insects. It is also used as a repellent for moles, gophers, mice, etc. You may actually get a dual action repellent with this product. The directions on Mosquito Barrier won't say anything about repelling rodents, but there are several Garlic products on the market for rodent repellent uses.
You could actually mix Bifenthrin and Mosquito Barrier together to get a knock out punch and extended repellency.
Other than this, be sure to wear insect repellents, like the Insect Patch, as well as long sleeve shirts, pants, etc, when going outside. OFF Insect Repellent would also be highly recommended. Be sure to read my post on Deer Ticks - here.
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May 13, 2013 - 08:56 AM
Demand CS is a great indoor product. I am not a big fan of it outdoors, as it is expensive, and really won't give any better control than Bifenthrin over large areas.
Nyguard is a "synthetic" IGR and the overall effectiveness of these products outdoors is still not agreed on by most University professors.
The #1 problem is that ticks can be brought in on animals from outside areas, never giving the IGR a chance to work.
#2 problem is that sunlight will kill most IGR's outdoors and they also give a false sense of security.
#3 problem is that Synthetic IGR's don't give the same results as JGH's or Juvenile Growth Hormones such as Precor or Gencor. Only about 40-50% as effective.
Regardless of what the bug guy's told you, I have researched this, and had long discussions with manufacturers about this subject.
My advice, use Bifenthrin, and use it often. Use it at 1 oz per gallon of water, spray the soil, tree trunks, etc. Use a good back pack sprayer or if you have other means, a hydraulic power sprayer.
Let it dry, and after it dries, there are no worries. Just don't let the kids walk around in bare feet for a couple of days, be sure to wear shoes. This goes for any product sprayed outside, regardless if it is organic, synthetic, etc.
The long term residual of Bifenthrin is less than the long term residual of most fertilizers and or herbicides. If using any of these products, then Bifenthrin should not be your only concern, and in my opinion, less of concern.
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By
Thanks for the very informative answer. After reading your other post on Deer Ticks and the danger they present, I decided to contact a few local exterminators for help and I got different answers, so I figured I'd ask your opinion. Both recommended pyrethroid insecticides (one said Bifenthin and the other said Lambda-Cyhalothrin [Demand CS]), but one recommended the use of Nyguard IGR also. In your opinion, is that necessary? I'm reluctant to use any more pesticides than necessary, but if it's going to be additional protection, I'm willing to do it.
Finally, should I have any worries about my kids playing in the yard even after an application of something like Demand CS has long since dried? I know it lasts a long time, so I'm a bit concerned about contact with the chemicals over time since I'm sure they will roll around out there.
Thanks again for all your help,
Richard
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