Guideline for the Use of Disinfectants and BASF Insecticides/Rodenticides
Pest Control Operators are applying more disinfectants than ever before under the current health crisis. Customer expectations are that PCOs also continue to control pests that invade structures and their premises. Recently, questions have arisen on the compatibility of insecticides/rodenticides and disinfectants when applied in close proximity or within a similar timeframe.
These questions include:
- How to properly use disinfectants and BASF insecticides/rodenticides?
- When to apply BASF insecticides/rodenticides in conjunction with disinfectants?
- Where to apply BASF insecticides/rodenticides in conjunction with disinfectants?
This guideline addresses these questions so that PCOs can effectively apply disinfectants and BASF insecticides/rodenticides and ensure efficacy against both microbes and pests.
Disinfectants
Disinfectants kill microbes in a very short time (usually within minutes) after the initial contact occurs. Residual control is short-term - usually 24 hours or less. There are a number of broadspectrum disinfectants being applied by PCOs, including:
- 5th Gen Quaternary Ammonium Chlorides
- Peracetic acid-based sanitizers
- 1st / 2nd Gen Quaternary Ammonium Chlorides
- Sodium Hypochlorite
BASF Insecticides/Rodenticides
BASF produces a number of products for use by PCOs to control pests both within and around structures and other areas. Each type of product has characteristics that affects how it will be used in conjunction with disinfectants.
Insecticide Baits
Rodenticides
Can I tank mix a disinfectant and BASF insecticides?
DO NOT tank mix disinfectants and BASF insecticides.
Research has shown that tank mixing these products may significantly reduce the efficacy of the disinfectant. Research conducted by BASF has shown that some types of cleaners and other products may contain certain ingredients that will induce pests to be repelled when tank mixed with a non-repellent insecticide and sprayed on a surface.
When can I apply a BASF insecticide in conjunction with a disinfectant?
BASF recommends applying disinfectants to surfaces first because they work best while still wet and do not have a long residual. Applying the insecticide after the disinfectant will also allow the pest to come in contact with the treatment which is crucial for control.
The recommended protocol is as follows:
- Apply the disinfectant according to label directions
- Wait 24 hours and then apply the BASF insecticide according to label directions
- If a second disinfectant or insecticide application is required, repeat the process based on the reapplication interval of each product
Where can I apply a BASF insecticide in conjunction with a disinfectant?
The BASF insecticide can be applied to the same surfaces treated with a disinfectant 24 hours after application of the disinfectant.
When can I apply a BASF insecticide bait in conjunction with a disinfectant?
BASF recommends applying disinfectants to surfaces first because they work best while still wet and do not have a long residual. Applying the bait after the disinfectant will also allow the pest to more easily locate and feed on it which is crucial for control. A longer time between disinfectant application and bait placement is required so that the bait does not become contaminated from the disinfectant.
The recommended protocol is as follows:
- Apply the disinfectant according to label directions
- Wait 48 hours and then apply the BASF bait according to label directions
- If a second disinfectant or bait application is required, repeat the process based on the reapplication interval of each product
Where can I apply a BASF insecticide bait in conjunction with a disinfectant?
The BASF bait can be applied to the same surfaces treated with a disinfectant 48 hours after application of the disinfectant.
When can I use a BASF rodenticide in a bait station in conjunction with a disinfectant?
Spraying disinfectants around rodenticides can be done prior to and after the application of the rodenticides. The rodenticides are placed in bait boxes where the disinfectant spray should not contact it in a standard application around the box. Bait boxes should NOT be sprayed with a disinfectant because the bait may become contaminated and rodents might avoid it.
Spraying a disinfectant in the area around bait boxes will affect rodent behavior due to:
- the smell of the disinfectant causing rodents to avoid sprayed areas
- the rodent scent trails and markings being covered by the disinfectant
However, rats and mice quickly adapt. The environment in which they are in is supporting the infestation for a reason (food, shelter, water) so they want to stay so the effect should only be transient.
Where can I use a BASF rodenticide in a bait station in conjunction with a disinfectant?
The BASF rodenticide can be applied to the same areas treated with a disinfectant as long as the bait box is not sprayed directly.
