The ideal insecticide...

Insects, such as cockroaches, have been on planet Earth for millions of years with the minimum adaptations necessary to survive. As the human population increased, we began competing over food, water, and construction supplies. It's estimated that 20%-40% of our annual food supply is lost by insect interactions, making it urgent to find a sustainable solution.

In the 1900s, we developed toxic methods to control insects, and we called them ''insecticides''

INSECTICIDES

The official definition (at least what we care about in the pest control industry) falls into the FIFRA concept:

FIFRA (Sec. 2) defines a pesticide as:“(1) any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, (2) any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant, and (3) any nitrogen stabilizer”... (except that the term “pesticide” shall not include any article that is a new animal drug under FFDCA and certain other biocides/devices also covered by FFDCA). - The term “pesticide” includes natural and genetically engineered microbials.The pesticide concept, from a regulatory perspective, has changed markedly in the last 100 years. At the turn of the last century, the “pesticide” law covered only “insecticides”, which were the principal type of pesticides in use at the time.

Problems arise with synthetic insecticides in the market, including cross-contamination of food supplies, bio-accumulation in the food chain (DDT), Paresthesia (Pyrethroids type ll), and links to chronic diseases such as liver malfunction and cancer.

These insecticides either last too long in the environment, increasing the chance of contact with humans and non-target animals, or do not work effectively and require multiple applications and rotations (resistance).

THE IDEAL INSECTICIDE

If you have ever read the Truman's Scientific guide for pest control operations, you will find what the author describes as the ''Ideal insecticide'':

Ideally, any pesticide would have rapid action on pests, yet be completely harmless to people, domestic animals, wildlife and other aspects of the environment. Its residues would last only as was necessary to create the desired effect, usually for very short periods of time. It would also be inexpensive and readily available in necessary quantities, chemically stable, non-flamable and other-wise safe to use around homes or industrial sites. It would be easily prepared and applied, non-corrosive, non-staining and would leave no undesirable odor

Later, the author claims that such pesticide does not exists, and, if it were to exist, the work of pest control professionals would be quite easy.

I disagree...

In 2023, at least when it comes to Urban Pest Management, we do have at least three candidates that achieve what the author described:

1) Isopropyl alcohol 70%

Isopropyl alcohol is found in almost every house in America, It is especially effective on Insects because of their Exoskeleton. When people spray ''Rubbing alcohol'' directly on the insect (Bedbug, cockroach, mite) it delivers a fast-acting action, it works as a dissolvent and a desiccant. It can also kill oothecae and bedbug eggs.

• Only lasts for the period necessary
• Inexpensive
• Ready to use
• Non-toxic to humans/pets/wildlife by contact with dermal tissue
• Non-corrosive
• Non-staining: can be used on mattresses and pet bedding.
• Leaves no odor

Although isopropyl alcohol is a perfect candidate, and we have products on the market for this reason (Steri-fab), It is indeed flammable, in the hands of a desperate homeowner can be dangerous. Nevertheless it is a great option for bedbug management.

2) Provecta - Stik-kote

In Urban pest management we like to talk about ''rotation'' and ''resistance'', What if there were a concentrated insecticide that currently has no resistance for cockroaches, bedbugs, and flies?

Let me introduce Provecta, this product has no active ingredient, it is constituted by a modified polymer that affects the exoskeleton of insects, causing an almost immediate paralysis. It is compatible with most insecticides and it even synergizes them when applied in conjunction.

• Only lasts for the period necessary
• Inexpensive
• Easy to mix and store
• Non-toxic to humans/pets/wildlife by contact with dermal tissue
• Non-corrosive
• Non-staining: can be used on mattresses and pet bedding.
• Leaves no odor
• Non-flammable
• Can be applied in the presence of food and animals
• Kills resistant populations in seconds.

Sounds like magic, isn't it? Truth is, most Pest control operators do not know how to properly use it, and they are so accustomed to the synthetic ''inexpensive by volume'' pesticides, that they can find it difficult to incorporate a product like this in their regular residual applications, which are a ''Spray and pray'' solution.

Last but not least...

3) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Welcome to the most common not known insecticide in the market. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is used by millions every day, and yes, even YOU!!

SLS is a known surfactant in the chemistry market, used widely in cleaning products like high-efficiency liquid dish soap (DAWN, AXION, PALMOLIVE), etc.

Dawn soap active ingredients

It is an effective degreaser that can remove even the toughest FOG (fat, oil, grease) content in our dishes, every day.

What does it have to do with Pest control?

Insects such as cockroaches and bedbugs have a waxy-oily exoskeleton that helps them prevent water loss, dehydration, and death. When a solution of 2-3% Dawn soap is applied directly to the insect, it is destined to die in two ways:

1) Suffocation: The SLS enters the spiracles in their exposed abdomen, and stops airflow, causing a quick paralysis and death of the insect. When it comes to adult German cockroaches, be generous, their wings can be covering their spiracles. Nymphs will be very vulnerable.

2) Dehydration: If the insect somehow escapes and hides in a crack/crevice, it will still be doomed, the dehydration process will begin as the degreaser is cutting off the waxy layer, it is estimated that cockroaches surviving direct contact die in less than 72 hours post-treatment.

It also works as a synergist. In conjunction with insecticides like ER-22, by eliminating the waxy layer, it enhances pesticide penetration, making the insect more susceptible. Thus, having a higher kill rate.

ER-22 Label

Again:

• Only lasts for the period necessary
• Inexpensive
• Easy to mix and store
• Non-toxic to humans/pets/wildlife by contact with dermal tissue
• Non-corrosive
• Non-staining: can be used on mattresses and pet bedding.
• Leaves no odor
• Non-flammable
• Can be applied in the presence of food and animals
• Kills resistant populations in seconds.
• You literally use it every day!

And yes, just like the author said, if we were able to use this properly, a lot of people who rely their value on the chemicals they use would be bankrupt as it is easy and effective for most people. Truth is, it is! What makes us professionals, is not the chemicals we use, but our ability to control pest populations in an effective, sustainable manner, instead of waiting for the next ''Ideal insecticide''...

-Jorge Bedoya, ACE