tg_efficacy_pt18pt19_superseded_en

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Transitional Guidance on PT18 + PT19
September 2016
5.1.2 Control methods
5.1.2.1 Preventive treatments
Traditionally, the methods used to fight termites were based upon treating infested or
exposed wood with wood preservatives. This is valid for all termite types (subterranean,
tree and drywood). Those products are included in product type 8 (wood preservatives)
of the BPD, and are not considered in this section.
In addition to the preventive treatment of timber, a barrier can be used to isolate the
paths used by subterranean termites to access the building from underneath where the
nest is located. Barriers systems usually consist of a polymer membrane or other
material and an insecticide (product type 18). The system is installed between the soil
and the construction to keep subterranean termites outside and to eliminate those that
come into contact with the insecticide.
5.1.2.2 Remedial treatments
Different methods are currently used in Europe:
5.1.2.2.1 Chemical barriers
Methods based on treating the infested wood with wood preservatives are included in
product type 8 (wood preservative) of the BPD, and are not considered in this section.
In addition to the wood treatment, two types of chemical barriers are used to
impregnate the walls of the construction and the soil around.
Considering the subterranean termites, this method aims to eliminate insects inside the
construction and to protect it for several years. This method does not eliminate the nest
(which is located in the soil).
5.1.2.2.2 Bait system
It consists typically of a cellulose-based matrix treated with a slow acting insecticide,
which is consumed by workers and is spread through the colony by trophallaxis (one
individual is fed by another). Consequently, this method may be useful to eradicate the
whole colony.
5.1.2.3 Treatment of waste
In order to prevent termite contamination by waste infested and transported into an
area not infested, it could be relevant to treat the waste with biocidal products.
5.2 Dossier requirements
A clear label claim should be submitted.
Laboratory and field trials with termites are needed to assess the efficacy of the
products. Ideally, the studies should be performed according to established guidelines
where these are available. These may be EU or national guidelines. European
standardisation work is being conducted by several termite experts in Europe. At this
moment, no European standard has been published yet, only French standards are
available. However, due to the greater significance of termites as structural pests in
countries outside Europe, such as the United States and Australia, a variety of standard
test methods are published, together with extensive reports in the scientific literature
which may prove useful references. Account should be taken of results obtained using
such methods, especially where the same termite species are present as those in Europe
including the French overseas territories. See appendix 3 for a list of available guidelines
(guidelines outside EU not included yet).
If there are no guidelines available or guidelines are not suitable to evaluate the
termiticide (e.g. if new products are developed), the applicant may use their own