September 2020 – Blogs to keep termites and insects away from plastics

Formosan Subterranean Termites: Invasive and voracious species

When homeowners hear the word termite they often break into a sweat, and rightfully so. Termite damage can cost thousands of dollars. In some cases, homes are demolished because the termite damage is so extensive. Also, the damage by termites is typically not covered by homeowner’s insurance.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. residents spend at least $1 billion on Formosan termite control and repairs each year. Some experts estimate the number is closer to $2 billion.

The Formosan subterranean termite is an invasive species of termite.

The Formosan termite was described from Taiwan (Formosa) in the early 1900s, but is native to southern China.

They are found in many states across the southern U.S., including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Smaller populations of Formosan termites have also been discovered as far north as the Canadian border.

A mature Formosan termite colony can eat about 31 grams or 1+ ounce per day. At this rate, such a colony could completely consume one foot of 2X4 wood in 25 days – causing severe structural damage to a home in as little as six months.

They commonly enter through expansion joints, cracks, crevices and utility conduits in slabs. Any wood-to-ground contact is an arrival invitation for Formosan subterranean termite infestations. In some occasions, however, Formosan subterranean termite can form colonies that are not connected to ground, called aerial colonies.

In addition to structures, Formosans infest living trees and shrubs, utility poles, landscape timbers, wooden railroad trusses and even boats. However, this termite is also known to attack non-cellulose materials such as plastic, plaster, asphalt, and thin sheets of soft metal (lead or copper) in search of food and moisture. They are also known to chew through the coverings of telephone and electric cable insulation, resulting in costly damage and power outages in cities.

Of course, termites cannot digest plastic, but Formosan subterranean termites will easily penetrate PVC plastic if it means reaching food. Not only have Formosan termites broken underground plastic water pipes, causing shut-downs in water service, but they have also destroyed electrical wires within PVC pipes, resulting in power outages.

In the city of New Orleans where this termite species was introduced in the 1950’s, the control and repair costs due to Formosan subterranean termite are estimated at $300 million annually (Suszkiw 1998). It is considered the single most economically important insect pest in the state of Hawaii.

Destructive ‘super-termites’ discovered in Israel for the first time

The termite “destroys railroad tracks, telephone poles…and underground electricity lines causing power outages,” said Dr. Gilad Ben Tzvi.

By Eve Young

September 23, 2020

Formosan “super-termites,” known as the “most damaging termites in the world,” were identified in Israel for the first time on Wednesday.

The termites were discovered in Petah Tikva by termite expert Tomer Low, who reported the finding to the Environmental Protection Ministry’s Pest-Control and Pesticides department.

Termites are known for their ability to cause extensive damage that can result in high costs for extermination and repairs. More than a billion dollars in damage is caused by termites each year in the USA alone, according to NPR.

Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel said that “invasive species present a serious threat to public health, the environment and the economy. Termites especially may cause great damage to property and infrastructure.” She went on to say that as climate change worsens there will be an increase in the amount of invasive species in Israel.

The Ministry has set up a termite task force to work on finding an extermination method and to advise local authorities and exterminators. The task force includes representatives from the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, alongside exterminations experts and academics.

Destructive ‘super-termites’ discovered in La Mesa

‘Super-termites’ discovered in La Mesa

Amanda Brandeis, ABC10.com │August 13, 2018

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Homeowners in La Mesa are being warned their houses could be at risk of a destructive pest: Formosan subterranean termites.

San Diego-based company Thrasher Termite & Pest Control made the unfortunate discovery this month in a La Mesa home.

They’re deemed “super-termites” due to enormous colonies up to two million strong. The pests can cause significant structural damage within six months unlike traditional dry-wood termites, which take 10-15 years to do similar damage.

The invasive species of termites was first discovered in La Mesa in 1992. Efforts to eradicate the population were thought to be successful, but pest control experts say that’s no longer the case.

Aggressive termites invading Houston area, establishing new colonies in South

By Stephanie Whitfield, USA Today│ May 7, 2018

HOUSTON — Swarms of winged bugs are invading Houston-area neighborhoods from Fifth Ward to the suburb of Baytown, Texas.

The insects are an aggressive species called Formosan termites, and pest specialists don’t know how to eradicate all of them once they’ve established a colony in an area, University of Florida etymologists say.

“What you’re seeing are winged individuals that are the kids. They’re job is reproductive,” said Bryan Springer of Coastal Exterminating in the Houston suburb of La Porte. “They’re starting new colonies. They’re not expanding old colonies. They’re literally starting new colonies.”

When traditionally used methods to combat this nuisance have failed, an effective solution is the need of the hour.

C Tech Corporation can offer a solution to overcome the damage caused by termites. Termirepel™ – anti termite additive is an ideal solution for the prevention and control of termites.

Termirepel™ works on the mechanism of repellency. It temporarily inhibits the mating cycle of the insects. The product impairs the ability of the insects to reproduce, that is the insects will not lay eggs or the laid eggs will be infertile. The product causes feeding disruption in an insect by triggering an unpleasant reaction within the insect which might try to feed on the application. The product temporarily blocks the reproduction system of the insects by hindering the release of the vital hormones for growth.

Termirepel™ is an extremely low concern, low toxic, low hazard, non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic insect aversive. It does not kill or cause harm to insects as well as to the environment which indirectly helps to maintain the ecological balance.

Termirepel™ is available in the form of the liquid concentrate, lacquer, and masterbatch.

Liquid concentrate can be mixed with paints and organic solvent in a predetermined ratio and be applied on the storage area, ceiling, panels exterior and interior of the homes, buildings, etc. as to be protected from termites.

Our product in the form of lacquer can be applied topically to the applications. The lacquer is compatible with most of the surfaces like wood, concrete, metal, polymer, ceramic, cables, wires which are already installed, etc.

Our product in the form of the masterbatch, which can be incorporated into the polymeric applications like pipes, wires, cables, polymeric tree guards, polymeric material, instruments and equipment’s which are attacked by termites. Termirepel™ can be incorporated during the extrusion of wires and cables making them pest repellent.

Termirepel™ is thermally stable and does not degrade on exposure to heat and sunlight. It does not kill or harm the insect but repels them.

Also, visit our websites:

http://www.ctechcorporation.com/
http://www.rodrepel.com/
http://www.termirepel.com/
http://www.combirepel.com/

Follow our Facebook pages at:

1] https://www.facebook.com/Combirepel-411710912249274/
2] https://www.facebook.com/Termirepel-104225413091251/
3] https://www.facebook.com/Rodrepel-120734974768048/

1] https://twitter.com/rodrepel
2] https://twitter.com/termirepel
3] https://twitter.com/combirepel

The fruitfly Menace

If you have been seeing small flies or gnats in your kitchen, they’re probably fruit flies. These pesky pests can be found throughout the world, in homes, gardens, warehouse, grocery stores, wineries, restaurants, etc. They are readily attached to any number of materials, especially that of moisture. Fruit flies can be a problem year round but are especially common during late summer/fall because they are attracted to ripened or fermenting fruits and vegetables.

But they also will breed in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash containers, mops and cleaning rags. Hence, they also cause various bacterial diseases.

Fruit flies damage the larger proportion of agricultural production and even to crops grown in the gardens which are susceptible to attack by fruitflies. Commercial producers spend hundreds of millions of dollars on control measures and also suffered production losses.

Tomatoes, melons, mangoes, squash, grapes and other perishable items are often the cause of an infestation. Fruit flies are also attracted to rotting bananas, potatoes, onions and other products.

You see, when the fruit is overripe or starts to go bad it begins to ferment, producing alcohol, which attracts fruit flies. They continue to gobble up the fermenting fruit, and in the process, lay hundreds of eggs which hatch into larvae in mere hours.

Female fruit fly lay their eggs into healthy, ripening fruit on the tree. Fruit flies lay their eggs up to 500 at a time! When the larvae hatch, they feed on the moist surface too. The entire life cycle from egg to adult takes only about eight to ten days so they proliferate with great rapidity.

Although fruit flies don’t bite humans (they actually don’t have any teeth), many people are allergic to the bacteria they carry, resulting in tiny red bumps on the skin.

Let us look at some evidences of damage done to fruits by these pesky little fruitflies:

Fruit flies could affect Fiji’s exports to New Zealand

The presence of fruit flies in any commodity exported by Fiji to New Zealand can be detrimental, also possibly affecting current bilateral quarantine agreements. Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Biosecurity Authority are keeping a close watch to ensure that fruit flies do not leave the nation’s shores. Fiji exports pawpaw, mangoes, breadfruit, and eggplant to NZ.

The Fijian fruit fly (Bactrocera passiflorae) and the Pacific fruit fly (Bactrocera xanthodes) if found in these commodities sent to New Zealand, will have severe repercussions.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Ritesh Dass says it is important that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent fruit fly presence in any export commodity. Dass says the treatment is available to ensure that these fruits are fly free before being sent off. He says the Ministry’s Fruit Fly Unit of the Crop Research Division is creating awareness programs on the pest as well as its management during field visits and agriculture shows.

Kenyan farmers battle fruit-fly menace as climate warms

by Caroline Wambui | Thomson Reuters Foundation

Sunday, 12 April 2020

As the planet heats up, growing pest numbers threaten Kenya’s lucrative mango, avocado and other fruit crops

KIRWIRE VILLAGE, Kenya, April 12 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Gideon Gitonga inspected his avocado orchard in central Kenya with military precision, revealing that some of the fruit were tinged with a worryingly familiar yellow colour.

Yet again, it was the same culprits attacking his crop on the farm in Kirwire village in Meru County: fruit flies.

“Most of the fruits you see with a ripening colour are not ripe,” he said. “(They) have been punctured by fruit flies and are in the process of rotting and eventually falling off.”

As the planet’s climate heats up, rising temperatures have driven a massive increase in Kenya’s fruit fly population, say agricultural experts.

Farmers in fruit fly-infested areas are losing on average up to half their crops each year to the tiny pests, said Onesmus Mwaura, a research assistant at the Nairobi-based International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE).F

The current insecticides are being used to control this menace. However besides being toxic and harmful insecticides kill the species. Repeated exposure to insecticides builds up resistance in insects, until finally the insecticide has little or no effect. Frequent insecticide applications make the problem worse.

C Tech Corporation offers a range of extremely low toxic and extremely low hazard insect aversive repellent, which can be successfully used to keep pesky creatures at bay. Termirepel^TM can be easily described as an insect aversive repellent, used against all types of insects and which works on the mechanism of repellency. It means that it does not kill the target insects but only repel them, thus balancing the ecology and helping in maintaining the goal of sustainability.

Termirepel^TM masterbatch can be incorporated in agricultural films, mulches, grain bags, protective coverings, etc. during processing. Termirepel^TM liquid concentrate which can be mixed in paints in a predetermined ratio can be applied to fencing and garbage bins.

Termirepel^TM lacquer can be applied topically on the applications. It does not volatilize and does not degrade the soil. It is RoHS, RoHS2, RoHS3, EU BPR, NEA, REACH compliant and FIFRA exempted.

Contact us if you are facing problems against these pesky little fruit flies and other insects also against rodents and other aggressive animals!

Also, visit our websites:

http://www.ctechcorporation.com/
http://www.rodrepel.com/
http://www.termirepel.com/
http://www.combirepel.com/

Follow our Facebook pages at:
1] https://www.facebook.com/Combirepel-411710912249274/
2] https://www.facebook.com/Termirepel-104225413091251/
3] https://www.facebook.com/Rodrepel-120734974768048/

Follow us on our Twitter pages at:
1] https://twitter.com/rodrepel
2] https://twitter.com/termirepel
3] https://twitter.com/combirepel

Kudzu bugs – Nuisance to the humans as well

“Kudzu bug: New bad bug appears in southern states” – Daily Press

Why there’s so much of havoc spread due to these bugs?

Although known to feed on Kudzu plant, they have started causing nuisance in human dwellings as well.

The spread of kudzu bug began when the Kudzu plant, a native to Japan was imported to the Southern United States in the 1800’s to enrich soil depleted by tobacco.

The import of the plant brought bugs along with it to the States and this is how the pesky bugs started spreading all over.

The kudzu bug is also found in some Eastern states, particularly Tennessee, as well as Florida, Alabama, North and South Carolina.

The plant, kudzu is often planted to reduce erosion, but, despite its name, the kudzu bug eats more than just this plant. The bugs also feed on soybeans and can dramatically impact crop production. It chews into the veins of a plant’s leaves to suck out nutrients, causing the leaves to dry out and wither and the plan to lose nutrition.

These bugs are approximately 4 to 6 mm long as adults. They are a mottled green and brown color. Many people mistake them for beetles, but they can easily be differentiated by their beaklike piercing-sucking mouthparts. The bug has a hard shield and is sometimes confused with stink bugs too.

The kudzu bug feeds and lay eggs through summer into the fall, then seeks out sheltered areas where it can pass the winter, such as under bark or rocks, or in leaf litter, or behind siding or in gaps or cracks of buildings.

The kudzu bug can become a very annoying pest of homes. Homeowners usually are more concerned with kudzu bugs because of their overwintering habits. During the warm summer months, people do not see the bugs. Once fall temperatures start dropping, kudzu bugs congregate in massive numbers on sun-exposed surfaces to warm themselves.

The mass sightings of the adults are the most disturbing sign for homeowners. If large numbers are disturbed, they can produce a strong odor. Host plants also may show sign of damage as the bugs feed.

Next, they locate sheltered voids, cracks, and crevices to survive the winter, which can include people’s homes. Once indoors, they do not feed or reproduce. They are dormant during the winter, unless there is a warm day, and will vacate the building with the warmth of the spring. It is attracted to white surfaces such as the walls of houses or white vehicles, because of the high reflectance of the white surfaces as it relates to the bugs’ simple eyes.

Invasive bugs on the rise in South Georgia, exterminators warn of big problems

By Simone Jameson

April 28th 2020

Local exterminators say that invasive bug sightings are higher since the COVID-19 quarantine began. They warn that stink bugs and carpenter bees will become more problematic as summer approaches.

Kudzu bugs, stink bugs and carpenter bees are expected to be active for the next three to four months, and can cause significant damage to the home, and to clothing. Kudzu bugs are olive-green-colored beetles, about the size of lady-bugs, that can enter the home through cracks, and leave stains and a foul-smelling odor on clothes if killed.

Invasive pests like carpenter bees are known to drill holes in decks and other wooden structures that support the home, leading to significant structural damage. Ben Tallent of Arrow Exterminators encourages homeowners to take preventative action to protect all belongings.

The CBS news says that Native “Asian Kudzu Bugs Threaten Crops in Maryland”

By Alex DeMetrick

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Right on the heels of the Asian stinkbug invasion comes a new pest. This one’s called the kudzu bug.

Alex DeMetrick reports–it packs a real potential for trouble.

The kudzu vine spread up from the deep south into Maryland years ago. But now something new has arrived: The kudzu bug.

A native of Asia, it hitched a ride with cargo imported to Georgia in 2009. Although small, it breeds in huge numbers. And it’s not pleasant.

“We do have reports from the south of them staining furniture, drapery, wall coverings,” said Dr. Mike Raupp, University of Maryland entomologist. “And if you handle these things, they will stain your skin. And in some cases, they can actually cause severe skin irritation. So this is not going to be a good performer.”

Many pest control methods are used to stop the menace caused by Kudzu bugs, but all of them have proved ineffective.

This is a situation where the menace is increasing and the conventional methods used to stop the menace are proving useless.

In such a situation an effective method is needed which provides protection from the menace caused by the Kudzu bug and hence C Tech Corporation has introduced an insect aversive named Termirepel^TM.

Termirepel^TM is an extremely low toxic, non-hazardous, insect aversive repellent.

Termirepel^TM is developed on green technology and chemistry. It is effective against a broad spectrum of insects such as Kudzu bugs, wasps, whiteflies, termites, beetles etc.

Termirepel^TM works on the mechanism of fear, discomfort, aversion, mating disruption, oviposition deterrence and feeding disruption.

Masterbatch is to be incorporated with polymers while processing them and can be used for producing agricultural film, pipes, wires and cables, polymeric parts for agricultural utilities, automobile parts etc.

The liquid concentrate is to be mixed with paints in a proper ratio and can be applied to interior and exterior of houses, offices, areas of mass transits etc.

Since the Kudzu bugs are found in the areas like roof spaces, plywood built spaces, eaves, ceilings etc. places we need to repel them from such places. Our lacquer form product can be applied on wooden applications to which the pests are attracted the most. The lacquer is compatible with a variety of surfaces like metal, polymer, ceramics, wood, concrete etc.

Termirepel^TM is the best protection against the Kudzu bugs!

Also, visit our websites:
http://www.ctechcorporation.com/
http://www.rodrepel.com/
http://www.termirepel.com/
http://www.combirepel.com/

Follow our Facebook pages at:
1] https://www.facebook.com/Combirepel-411710912249274/
2] https://www.facebook.com/Termirepel-104225413091251/
3] https://www.facebook.com/Rodrepel-120734974768048/

Follow us on our Twitter pages at:
1] https://twitter.com/rodrepel
2] https://twitter.com/termirepel
3] https://twitter.com/combirepel

Farmers grapple with Armyworm Horror

Just when the farmers across countries in eastern Africa were tackling with the devastating drought situation, they were being threatened by an invasive pest. The fall armyworm.!

The Fall Armyworms are spreading like a wildfire and causing a havoc.

The fall armyworm can damage and destroy a wide variety of crops in its larvae stage which causes large economic damage. Larvae can also burrow into the growing point and affect the growth of plants. The larvae penetrate crops and feed from the inside. Larvae cause damage by consuming foliage. Young larvae initially consume leaf tissue from one side. The larvae may do the damage but the adult moths ensure the rapid spread of the pest. Moths are very strong flyers, covering vast distances, so the infestation can occur in very short time.

Fall armyworm larvae can wreak havoc on a wide range of crops based on their food preferences. Destruction can happen almost overnight because the first stages of a caterpillar’s life require very little food, and the later stages require about 50 times more.

The pest reproduces at a rapid speed; an adult female can lay up to 1844 eggs/female (Barros et al. 2010), and several and overlapping generations occur every year.

In its larval stage, it can cause significant damage to crops, if not well managed. The pest mainly feeds on maize/corn but can attack and survive on more than 100 plant species including rice, sorghum, sugarcane, cabbage, beet, peanut, soybean, alfalfa, onion, cotton, pasture grasses, millet, tomato, potato, etc. It poses an enormous and wide-scale risk to the agriculture sector and it stands to intensify global poverty and hunger.

It is estimated that almost 40% of those species that armyworms target are economically important.

The fall armyworm was first detected in Central and Western Africa in early 2016 and has quickly spread to almost all maize growing countries in Africa and reached South Africa in 2017. Because of trade and the moth’s strong flying ability, it has the potential to spread further. The farmer’s livelihoods are at risk as the non-native insect threatens to reach Asia and Europe.

The Fall armyworm has been reported to cause annual losses of US$600 million in Brazil alone.

There are 208 million people dependent on maize for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Maize also provides crucial income for small-holder farmers in the region.

Currently, more than 300 million Africans depend on maize as their main food source, and 46 of 53 countries in sub-Saharan Africa cultivate the crop.

Fall Army Worm has cost African economies billions of pounds in crop losses

Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (Cabi) chief scientist Dr. Matthew Cock said: “This invasive species is now a serious pest spreading quickly in tropical Africa and with the potential to spread to Asia.”

If proper control measures are not implemented, the fall armyworm could cause extensive maize yield losses of up to $6.2 billion per year in just 12 countries in Africa where its presence has been confirmed, according to the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI).

The damages are reported as follows:

Armyworm infestation breaches the Pacific

The recent spread of *Spodoptera frugiperda, *or Fall Armyworm (FAW), in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province is causing concern in the Pacific region.

Fall armyworm is a pest that preys on food crops such as maize (corn), sweet potato, vegetables, and wheat, and has the potential to cause significant damage to several important crops in PNG, including maize, sugarcane and rice.

The Pacific Community’s (SPC) Land Resources Division Pest and Management Advisor Fereti Atu warns the invasive pest can affect the region if precautions are not heeded. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have procured fall armyworm pheromone traps and lures from Costa Rica for distribution,” he said. “With the current rate of spread, the Melanesia island group faces a direct threat through this potential pathway initiated from Australia. It is now in PNG and next will very likely spread to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, etc.”

Mr. Atu stated that the armyworm is also a biosecurity problem. “This moth is high flying, and it is very difficult to stop its spread. Moths caught in the whirlwind of cyclones in the southern belt from Africa to Southeast Asia could be one of the causes of it reaching the shores of Australia and then Papua. Stringent biosecurity measures, including lures at periphery of the infested area, should be adopted.”

Fall armyworm found near Broome

21 Apr 2020

The invasive pest fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has been confirmed near Broome following earlier discovery of the pest in Kununurra.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has identified two specimens, the first collected on forage sorghum south of Broome and the second on Rhodes grass on a property east of Broome.

Fall armyworm is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.

Since 2016 it has rapidly spread to and throughout Africa, the Indian subcontinent, China and Southeast Asia. It has been found in north Queensland and the Northern Territory.

DPIRD is working with growers and industry to help ensure industries are prepared for and can minimise the impacts of fall armyworm.

Pheromone traps have been distributed in Kununurra, Broome, Carnarvon and Geraldton, as part of surveillance to help determine spread of the pest.

Is there any solution available to combat these pests?

Yes, to get rid of these pests we have an eco-friendly solution!

At C Tech Corporation, we provide you with Termirepel™ which is an insect aversive repellent. Termirepel™ is manufactured on the basis of green technology. It is extremely low toxic, non-hazardous, non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic anti-insect aversive. Also, it is durable under extreme climatic conditions such as changes in temperature, rainfall, water pressure, etc.

Our product is ROHS, ROHS2, RoHS3, EU BPR, APVMA, NEA compliant and FIFRA exempted. Our product will not kill the targeted as well as non-targeted species but only repel which helps in maintaining the ecological balance of the earth.

Our product works on the mechanism of repellency. It temporarily inhibits the mating cycle of the insects. The product impairs the ability of the insects to reproduce, that is the insects will not lay eggs or the laid eggs will be infertile. The product causes feeding disruption in an insect by triggering an unpleasant reaction within the insect which might try to feed on the application. The product temporarily blocks the reproduction system of the insects by hindering the release of the vital hormones for growth.

Termirepel™ is available in three basic forms: Masterbatch, liquid concentrate, and lacquer.

Termirepel™ Masterbatch is specially made for polymeric applications and used as additives in their processing time. It can be incorporated into the polymeric applications like the agricultural films and mulches, irrigation pipes, tree guards, greenhouse films etc. used for crop cultivation purpose. The product can be incorporated into the cables, and other applications used for agriculture.

Termirepel™ liquid concentrate is to be mixed in paints in pre-determined proportion and can be applied on the concrete fences around farms. It can be used on the interior and exterior of storehouses used to store food grains and other agricultural produce.

Termirepel™ lacquer can be directly applied to the applications such as wooden fences, already installed pipes, wires, cables, etc.

The repelling mechanism of the product would debar the worm and other insects that could damage the crops. Thus Termirepel™ is the best protection against these invasive fall armyworms.

Also, visit our websites:

http://www.ctechcorporation.com/
http://www.rodrepel.com/
http://www.termirepel.com/
http://www.combirepel.com/

Follow our Facebook pages at:

1] https://www.facebook.com/Combirepel-411710912249274/
2] https://www.facebook.com/Termirepel-104225413091251/
3] https://www.facebook.com/Rodrepel-120734974768048/

1] https://twitter.com/rodrepel
2] https://twitter.com/termirepel
3] https://twitter.com/combirepel