FAQ – Pest Control

Our expert team are dedicated to addressing the most common questions in pest control and have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, providing accurate insights and solutions. Whether you're interested in preventive measures, pest behaviors, or the best treatment options, our FAQ section serves as your trusted resource for reliable information.

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Updated FAQ

How does Kordon work?

Kordon is a flexible laminate that is installed in a building during construction to prevent concealed access by subterranean termites. Kordon contains deltamethrin which is highly repellent to termites.

Subterranean termites (termites) are social insects that live in a colony like bees and ants. Typically, they form a nest in the soil or near ground level in a stump or tree trunk. They eat cellulose which is found in timber and timber products such as paper.

Attack by termites originates from the nest. Foraging termites will seek cellulose up to 50m or more from their nest. Wood or timber underground is reached by a series of tunnels built by the termite workers.

Timber above ground may be reached via mud walled tubes plastered to exposed surfaces. These tubes are built by the termites to shelter them from the light and maintain humidity.

There are more than 350 species in Australia and about 30 are classified as economically important –they attack timber in buildings.

As well as eating timber, termites damage non-cellulose materials such as soft concrete, soft metal and plastic, building sealants and foam insulation. Cracks in concrete and the gap around pipes penetrating through the concrete slab offer easy access to termites.

Kordon is installed where termites attempt to gain access to the timber in a building. The deltamethrin in Kordon is highly repellent to termites and they will avoid close contact with it. Termites then look for cellulose elsewhere or seek to go around the Kordon.

To avoid Kordon, termites build mud tubes around the barrier which are detected during an inspection by a qualified Timber Pest Inspector. Steps are then taken to eliminate the termite colony before significant damage can be done.

When termites get concealed access, such as when Kordon is not installed, access is gained for long periods before being detected. This results in significant and expensive damage.

How long will the Kordon barrier last?

Kordon has been extensively tested by the CSIRO and has been evaluated to have a durability and design life in excess of 50 years. This represents the life expectancy of a building as deemed by Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

Can Kordon be installed in an existing building?

No. It can be installed in an extension. An accredited Kordon installer ( List of installers is available here) is the best person to advise on how this should be done and include how this can be integrated with the existing building. ”

This product is out of date. Where and how do I dispose of it?

In Australia, some councils have an annual unused chemical collection. Alternatively, contact your local council to find out about their local collection procedures and arrange a collection.

Where can I buy Envu products?

From Envu Distribution outlets. Visit https://www.au.envu.com/pest-management/where-to-buy-pest-management-products or click here

What is the shelf life of your products?

Chemical manufacturers must be able to guarantee a minimum of a 2 year shelf life unless otherwise stated on the label.

What do you recommend for cockroaches? I've sprayed everywhere and can't control them…

Envu offers 3 cockroach gel baits with different active constituents under the brand name Maxforce . A cockroach control management program may require the use of different active ingredients to cope with cockroach resistance and also a range of environmental factors. Envu also has a range of general insecticide sprays including Ficam W, Temprid75 and Cislin25. These are an important part of a cockroach control program.

When considering a treatment program, identify any environmental factors which may be impacting on bait take-up such as additional food sources. Eliminate these factors to encourage bait feeding.

Always read the product label to establish the most appropriate product for the job.

How do I get rid of European Wasp and feral bees?

Coopex Dust is registered to kill these pests. Care should be taken to apply the dust when the pests are least active.

How long does it take for a product to work on bed bugs?

As soon as bed bugs make contact with the spray, they die very soon after. Always read the product label for specific information.

Due to the elusive nature of the bed bug, it is important to treat the area thoroughly in order to ensure the active ingredient in the spray makes direct contact with these pests.

I have a mosquito problem, what can I do?

Effective mosquito control often involves targeting the pest at different stages of the lifecycle to completely eradicate the problem.

There are a number of control options available from treating the mosquito larvae developing in stagnant water, through to the use of contact sprays or foggers to target the adults.

What chemicals are best for ant control?

You'll need a flowable dust for inaccessible areas such as Coopex Dust. Surface spray for trails and cracks 'n crevices is essential, such as Envu's recommended ant residuals Suspend Flexx and Temprid75.

Ant Bait is essential to complete ant jobs and prevent call-backs. Envu's Maxforce Quantum and Antmaster are top quality baits that will eliminate ant colonies.

Which chemicals are safe to spray on shrubs and ornamentals?

Many insecticides can damage plants and ornamentals, particularly when spraying perimeter walls of buildings. Envu's Temprid75 and Tempo insecticides have turf registration and will not damage plants when used in accordance with label instructions.