Dichlorvos from cockroaches: proven over the years, or a tribute to tradition?
Good old "Dichlorvos" from cockroaches was used by our grandparents. This tool has always shown excellent effectiveness and speed of action. And even today it has not lost its relevance. However, in fact, the modern drug is very different from the "Dichlorvos" that was used before the time of perestroika, moreover, its composition has nothing to do with the old remedy and it is based on completely different active substances.
What is a modern "Dichlorvos"?
If you decided to use "Dichlorvos" to fight cockroaches, then in this case it will be useful to find out which drugs under this name modern industry is able to offer. On the shelves of stores today you can find such "Dichlorvos" as:
- "Neo";
- "Eco";
- "Universal";
- Varan
- "Super".
And if the Soviet remedy was based on an organophosphorus insecticide - dimethyldichlorovinylphosphate, then pyrethroids act as active components of all of the above drugs. If we consider the toxicity of these substances, the first insecticide is quite powerful, but it is toxic not only for cockroaches, but also for pets and humans.
On a note! The popularity of the Soviet "Dichlorvos" is explained quite simply: at that time he had practically no analogues, some used dusts, but they were much more toxic, while safe means showed poor effectiveness. So "Dichlorvos" took a leading position in the market from cockroaches!
With the development of industry, the market for insect repellent products began to replenish with safer drug options, which were based on pyrethroid insecticides. It is on such substances that all modern "Dichlorvos" are based. Moreover, it is rather difficult to single out the most effective among them, since the result in all cases will be approximately the same.
So, what pyrethroids can be in the composition of modern "Dichlorvos". It:
- esfenvalerate;
- cypermethrin;
- permethrin;
- lambda-cygalotrin;
- vaportrin;
- teflutrin;
- tau fluvalinate;
- piperonyl butoxide;
- Allethrin.
As a rule, in one tool several of the above substances are involved, which explains the high efficiency of each of them. But there is another reason for such a complex composition. The fact is that insects are able to develop immunity to insecticides over time - this explains the decrease in the level of protection when using simple means based on only one active component. And if there are several poisons at once, which differ in their chemical structure, cockroaches have much less chance of surviving. As for resistance, such a situation is completely unlikely.
In addition, pyrethroid drugs can retain their effect for a long time, for this reason, with one treatment, it is possible to destroy a significant part of cockroaches. But there are also distinctive aspects.
What made manufacturers change their composition? Everything is extremely simple here. With the advent of new drugs for cockroaches, which were based on safer synthetic pyrethroids, the Soviet drug began to gradually be supplanted. They replaced him "Combat", «Raid», «Raptor" and others. And enterprising manufacturers immediately registered a trademark (more precisely, several brands at once) under the well-known name. And those who searched for years on the shelves of Dichlofos stores finally found it. But as mentioned above, with the old tool, in addition to the name, it has nothing to do.
On a note! Dichlorvos is an abbreviated name for its main active ingredient (dimethyldichlorovinylphosphate). Accordingly, the modern version of the drug is just a commercial ploy, because until now many people pay tribute to traditions and when cockroaches appear in the house, they are looking for exactly “Dichlorvos”!
However, no matter what, modern "Dichlorvos" can quite successfully poison domestic insects. About it further.
Operating principle
The pyrethroids on which Dichlorvos are based are synthetic substances that exhibit nerve activity. After the insecticide enters the body of the parasite, it disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, which leads to paralysis. After some time, the insect dies.
The task of man in this case is only to ensure the penetration of active substances into the body of cockroaches. And after spraying the aerosol cloud, this is achieved in several ways:
- Through the spiracles - this occurs when the agent is sprayed in places where parasites accumulate. In this case, it is possible to provide the best result. The insecticide is rapidly absorbed into the hemolymph and is immediately spread throughout the body. Soon the cockroach dies.
- Through chitinous integuments - since pyrethroids have a contact effect, they are able to penetrate insects even when they enter chitinous integuments. Further, the active substances work according to the scheme described above - they lead to paralysis and subsequent death.
- Through the oral apparatus - when spraying, particles of the product settle on various surfaces and, if you do not carry out wet cleaning, they will remain here for a long time. Surviving individuals, when moving, will stain their paws in an insecticide and, when cleansed with their jaws, will swallow a certain amount of the product. In the stomach, the poisonous components are absorbed into the hemolymph and, as a result, poisoning occurs.
However, one treatment is not always enough. If the situation is running and in addition to adult cockroaches, there are numerous masonry in the apartment, then Dichlorvos will have to be applied 2-3 times.
Pyrethroid insecticides, which are part of the modern "Dichlorvos" from cockroaches, are able to remain active for two weeks and only after this period will begin to gradually decompose in the air. Therefore, if there are no children and pets in the apartment, then after processing it is better not to carry out wet cleaning until the expiration of the drug. If the situation is the opposite, then in order to avoid poisoning, it is recommended to leave a layer of the product only in hard-to-reach places - where children and pets are guaranteed not to get.
Terms of use
At first glance, everything is quite simple, but in order to get rid of cockroaches with the help of Dichlorvos, certain rules must be observed. You will find all the nuances in the instructions for use.
Room preparation
Preparatory activities are as follows:
- Before starting spraying, people and pets should be removed from the premises;
- all "inhabitants" of aquariums and terrariums also need to be protected from the action of toxic components - we cover the "houses" with a cover glass and turn off the compressor;
- we take food, utensils and things from the cabinets and cabinets, put everything in plastic bags or take it out to another room;
- furniture items are moved away from the walls - this will ensure the penetration of the active substances of the drug into all inaccessible places and corners;
- it is advisable to remove carpets from the walls, the same applies to floor coverings, we remove bedspreads from sofas and armchairs;
- tightly close all windows and doors.
Treatment
After all the preparatory measures have been completed, you can proceed to the direct processing of the infected room. Thoroughly shake the container with the drug, remove the cap, turn the hole through which the aerosol will exit, spray an insecticide from yourself and on your outstretched arm. In this case, the jet should be directed to the places of possible nesting of parasites, spraying the product at a certain distance from the surfaces, so you can cover a large area.
Processing is recommended in the following sequence:
- first skirting boards and corners;
- then a place under the sink and a bin;
- and finally the back surface of the stove, the area behind the refrigerator and the kitchen.
On a note! The more thoroughly you treat these areas, the greater the chance that insects will die after the first use of the product!
After spraying the drug, the processor must leave the room and close it for several hours.
Important! In the manual, this recommendation may not be spelled out, but nevertheless it is desirable to do this in order to ensure the best penetration of toxic components in hard-to-reach places!
After a couple of hours, the room is ventilated, and the surfaces that will have to be contacted are wiped with a damp sponge. But if possible, it is better to postpone wet cleaning for a couple of weeks.
Safe use
Despite the fact that the modern Dichlorvos is much less toxic than its Soviet predecessor, it is still based on toxic substances, and therefore it must be used with extreme caution. Here, again, the instruction will help you, but there are certain measures that you will not find in it. Pay attention to the following recommendations, which will make the use of "Dichlorvos" as safe as possible.
- Before spraying spray can it is advisable to wear clothes made of dense fabric, which will prevent the insecticide from settling on the skin - as you can avoid an allergic reaction.
- It is extremely important to wear a respirator or cotton-gauze dressing - these personal protective equipment will help prevent the penetration of the product into the respiratory tract.
Important! If during treatment you suddenly notice a sore throat, an unpleasant aftertaste or the appearance of a cough, then the protection is not good enough and the toxins could penetrate the respiratory system!
- Safety precautions regarding pets should not be neglected. This is due to the fact that pyrethroids are quite toxic for cats, and if fluffy pets live in your house, it is advisable to take them away for the duration of the action of the components of the substance. In addition, after processing, a thorough cleaning should be carried out and all dead parasites should be removed - by eating dead cockroaches, the cat can receive a significant dose of insecticide. The first signs of poisoning in this case will be tremor and intense salivation.
- When spraying Dichlorvos in the living room and other living rooms, it is necessary to act carefully and prevent the aerosol cloud from entering the technical openings of electrical appliances, as this may adversely affect their subsequent operation.
On a note! Quite often, cockroaches hide inside the TV case, computer system unit, etc., but even this circumstance does not allow Dichlorvos to process these high-precision devices!
If during the spraying of the drug you felt a deterioration in well-being in the form of a strong cough and shortness of breath, an allergic reaction appeared on the skin in the form of a rash, itching and redness, you should immediately stop work and go into fresh air. In this case, procrastination is fraught with poisoning.
And remember that even if carefully processed according to all the rules, some of the cockroaches can survive. Feeling something was wrong, adults will try to leave the danger zone, hiding in ventilation hatches or outside the apartment.
But if after the use of "Dichlorvos" parasites were not visible for a long time, and after about a month they appeared again, then this is a clear sign that insects migrate to you from neighbors. In such a situation, it is advisable to block all possible ways for insects to enter your home: put nets with small cells on the ventilation, close cavities behind outlets, as well as cracks in the walls and ceiling.