Page 248 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

Botanicals
The flowers, leaves, and roots of some plants contain chemicals, some of which are then made
into pesticides. These are known as “botanicals”. Generally, they are the safest insecticides.
Modern science now makes it possible to produce pesticides similar to the botanicals in the
laboratory. These laboratory-made materials are called synthetic pyrethrins or pyrethroids.
They do not differ too much from the natural material. Botanicals generally act on contact by
affecting an insect’s nervous system. They are often used to flush out pests when making an
inspection. They are also effective on flying insects.

Organics
Some substances found naturally can be used as pesticides in their natural condition. These
are called “organic pesticides” meaning that they do not come from living material as do the
botanicals. Until chlorinated hydrocarbons were discovered they were the most commonly used
pesticides. The ones available today are generally slightly to moderately toxic. They can take
action upon contact or in the stomach. Humans should not breathe them as dusts, or eat them
in any form. Some of these are desiccants.

Insect Growth Regulators (IGR)
A chemical that controls insects by interfering with insect hormones is called an insect growth
regulator. It controls molting and, most commonly, affects the insect’s ability to develop from
pupa to adult. The mature or larval form of the insect may contact the chemical, but is usually
not affected.

Rodenticides
There are several different categories of rodenticides. The term rodenticides generally applies
to the control of rats and mice although they can be used to control other warm-blooded ani-
mals which are not rodents. The five categories of rodenticides are natural, inorganic, fumigant,
organic, and anti-coagulant. For the most part, the service technician will use anti-coagulants.
The others require advanced skill and may be used only by a certified person.
Natural rodenticides are derived from plant parts (mainly roots and seeds).
Inorganic rodenticides are derived from natural minerals.
Fumigants are used for burrowing animals. These are gasses, and should only be used
by trained people.
Organics contain some of the most poisonous but effective of all rodenticides.
Anti-coagulants are the rodenticides that cause internal bleeding from which the pest
dies. They are generally mixed with dry baits or water which the target pest then eats or drinks.
There are also metabolic inhibitors and chemical liberators. Metabolic inhibitors are chemicals
that interfere with the normal energy transfer between cells in the animal’s body. The result is
the build-up of fluid, especially around the spinal column and brain. This results in decreased
nerve impulses, paralysis, and death. Chemical liberators mobilize calcium from the bones into
the blood stream. This reaction causes death by heart failure.

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