Laurence Barnard, country business manager at BASF Pest Control Solutions, said that pest controllers are facing an increasingly complex challenge as insects develop resistance to commonly used pyrethroids such permethrin and cypermethrin.
Over the past decade, repeated exposure has allowed certain pest populations to adapt, meaning standard treatments may no longer achieve the expected levels of control.
This growing resistance can lead to recurring infestations, increased treatment costs, and a greater reliance on more aggressive or frequent applications, making effective pest management more difficult than ever.
Understanding resistance
Resistance occurs when a pest population is repeatedly exposed to the same mode of action or active, allowing species with natural tolerance to survive, thrive and reproduce. Pyrethroids, widely used for flying and crawling insect control, is where resistance has been widely documented in multiple regions. Organophosphates, once a mainstay in pest control and agriculture, are also facing resistance issues in some insects.
Strategies to reduce resistance
Thankfully, there are some steps that pest controllers can take to minimise the risk of resistance:
- Rotate active ingredients: Using products with different modes of action prevents pests from adapting to a single chemical type.
- Integrate non-chemical methods: Physical and environmental controls as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach reduce reliance on insecticides.
- Monitor pest populations: Regular inspections and population tracking help identify early signs of reduced efficacy, allowing timely adjustments to control strategies.
- Follow label recommendations: Correct application rates, timing, and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial for achieving effective control while minimising resistance pressure.
Non-chemical approaches: strengthening pest control strategies
Non-chemical methods are vital for slowing resistance development and achieving long-term pest control. Physical measures such as traps, screens, sticky boards, and barriers can reduce pest numbers or block access to sensitive areas; while vacuuming or manual removal can control localised infestations without chemicals.
Environmental practices –like prompt waste removal, sealing food sources, reducing water availability, and modifying habitats by clearing vegetation or sealing entry points – make environments less hospitable to pests. Alongside these techniques, regular monitoring, client education, and investment in resistance tracking programs help pest controllers anticipate emerging problems.
When these methods are combined with strategic rotation of insecticide classes within an Integrated Pest Management framework, pest controllers can preserve the long-term effectiveness of chemical treatments while promoting sustainable and responsible pest control.
Fendona: A reliable, fast-acting pyrethroid solution
Another tool in the fight against resistance is Fendona, a fast-acting pyrethroid insecticide featuring the active ingredient alpha-cypermethrin, which eliminates a variety of crawling and flying insects.
A member of the synthetic pyrethroid family, Fendona’s high-performance formulation disrupts the central nervous system of target species, providing a rapid knockdown effect and delivering results within just 30 to 60 minutes of treatment.
Fendona’s long-lasting residual spray is suitable for use in both rural and urban environments. Its reintroduction plays a pivotal role in the rotation of insecticide treatments considering the active ingredient hasn’t been widely used in the UK for a number of years, helping to slow the development of insecticide resistance when used as part of a broader IPM strategy alongside other chemical and non-chemical controls.
By combining rapid efficacy with residual performance, Fendona provides reliable control and can be confidently integrated into IPM programs to support sustainable, long-term pest management.
Benefits in IPM programs
Incorporating Fendona into IPM programs offers multiple advantages for pest controllers:
- Supports rotation strategies: Using Fendona® alongside products with different modes of action helps slow the development of resistance.
- Rapid and effective control: Its fast-acting alpha-cypermethrin formulation delivers knockdown of a wide range of crawling and flying insects within 30 to 60 minutes.
- Long-lasting protection: The residual spray provides ongoing control, reducing the need for repeated applications.
- Versatile application: Suitable for both rural and urban environments, making it adaptable to diverse pest management scenarios.
- Complements non-chemical controls: Works seamlessly with traps, screens, sanitation, and biological measures as part of a holistic IPM strategy.
By combining speed, residual performance, and compatibility with other IPM tactics, Fendona helps pest controllers achieve reliable, long-term results while supporting sustainable pest management practices and reducing insecticide resistance.
