Ray writes
I use Bifen IT to pretreat swimming pool soil for Termites under liners I use .12% mix 2 3/4 gallons per 100 water? Would Bifen XTS be more cost effective? Any concerns with oil base on liners,plants, houses etc... I use for perimeter pest control. Any info much apprecated?
Bifen IT would be applied at the a 0.06% emulsion rate for a horizontal barrier against termites which would be 1fl oz per gallon of water every 10 sq ft. If you doubled the rate and and volume of water, that would be enough to cover 20 sq ft. If using Bifen XTS for termite pre soil treatments under slabs, pools, etc – the rate advised for the product label is 0.32 fl oz per gallon of water (0.06% emulsion) per 10 sq ft. Keep in mind, the active ingredient bifenthrin is only going to kill those termites that contact the treated soil, it does not transfer throughout the colony and would have to be reapplied after 1 year if termite activity is present. As far as we know, there should be no concerns with oil based solutions on pool liners or other surfaces. Taurus SC would be a be a better product for pre slab/construction treatments for both curative and preventative termite treatments. The active ingredient fipronil is a non repellent which does transfer throughout the colony and will provide a 10 year barrier protection against Subterranean Termites. With either product, Bifen XTS or Taurus SC – you would still need to dig a termite trench around the outside perimeter for a full barrier protection the covers the footprint of the pool. Taurus SC should not be applied to bushes, trees, shrubs in the area. View our Subterranean Termite Treatment Guide for more information.
Answer last updated on: 01/15/2011
