By Eric Paysen, Technical Services Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management
Spiders are one of the most diverse pests, with more than 47,000 species reported in the World Spider Catalog.1 While spiders are plentiful, they’re seemingly outnumbered by customers who expect Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) to keep homes and businesses free from these eight-legged pests.
Managing spiders requires knowledge of arachnid biology, attention to detail, effective products and the right equipment. The SecureChoice℠ Spider Assurance Program from Syngenta utilizes the proven efficacy of Demon® WP insecticide with Demand® CS insecticide, or Demon WP with Tandem® insecticide, to provide a significant reduction in spider populations. When combined with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, this expert-designed assurance program protocol is guaranteed to deliver results.
To successfully provide this service, a PMP must be equipped with the right tools, like the following:
- Air-compressed sprayer: These quintessential sprayers carried by PMPs come as traditional hand tanks, mini tanks and backpack sprayers. While they are associated with “old school” baseboard treatments, they are great in modern IPM programs and allow technicians to easily carry liquid products to the source of the infestation and apply precise high-concentration, low-volume applications where needed without using excess product. For spiders, make applications with a low-pressure pin stream into cracks and crevices near webs, potential harborage sites and entry points. Attention to detail is key.
- Power sprayer: Power spraying is about volume, and that’s often what it takes to combat ground-hunting spiders and their prey. Applications consist of low-concentration mix rates that rely on a high volume of water to carry the product to where the pests harbor. Typical treatment areas that are difficult to penetrate without this high-volume approach include lawns, flower beds and mulched landscaping. Perimeter applications with a power sprayer are proven to reduce or eliminate spider populations in these high pest pressure areas.
- Web duster: Web dusting is considered a standard practice in PMP services. Many web dusters have long extension poles to reach high eave lines and leave the treated property free from spider webs.
- Possible emerging equipment trends: The popularity of backpack mist blowers and portable foggers has been driven by the development of mosquito management programs, for which both equipment types have been highly effective. Some PMPs are using these application methods to target pests like ants and ticks. Spider control may benefit from this equipment as a thorough, penetrating treatment technique.
With the right tools and the SecureChoice Spider Assurance Program, you can rest easy knowing your customers are protected from spiders. For more information, visit www.SyngentaPMP.com/Spider or contact your local Syngenta territory manager.
1Source: World Spider Catalog, https://wsc.nmbe.ch 
©2018 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Demon®, Demand®, For Life Uninterrupted™, SecureChoice℠, Tandem® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks or service marks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368).
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