A gel bait for the management of pest cockroaches

Maxforce White is a gel bait which has been specifically formulated to appeal to cockroaches. It contains a low concentration of a modern, low-dose insecticide (imidacloprid) which provides control of cockroaches when they ingest the baitgel.PN: MAX/WHITE

Use with Rega Metered Gel Gun PN: REGA/GEL/G

Small spots of gel are placed in out of the wayareas where cockroaches are commonly found(eg. under sink units and cupboards) and therefore there is very little risk of exposure to the product. Insects are much more susceptible to the effects ofimidacloprid than humans, other mammals or birds.

How is the product applied and how much is applied?

Maxforce White is applied as 1 to 3 small spots of 0.1 g in areas where cockroaches are found. The gel can be replenished at intervals depending onthe level of infestation. It is usually applied from a cartridge using a specific application gun that allows easy application of small spots (e.g. REGA Metered Gel Gun). Imidaclopridhas a very good safety profile anyway but this presentation results in only minute amounts of active ingredient being applied to limited areas.

Putting this into context

Imidacloprid, a molecule developed by Bayer, is commonly used in flea control products for use ondomestic animals (Advantage®), in home-gardenproducts (eg. Confidor®), for termite management(Premise®) and in agricultural applications. The amount of active ingredient used with MaxforceWhite would usually be less than the amount appliedto animals for flea control. Maxforce White is one of the few gel products which is not classified as a poison (caffeine and salt have higher levels oftoxicity than Maxforce White), therefore there is very little risk of adverse effects even if the gel spots are accidentally contacted.

Is it safe for my family and pets to be in the area where the producthas been applied?

Yes it is safe, the application of gel baits is a highly targetted approach and in addition to the non-toxic nature of the product there is no reason why there should be any exposure to the product in the first place. There are no health risks from being in the area when the product is being applied. Imidacloprid is not carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic. There are no longterm adverse effects expected from working or residing in treated areas.

What testing has been done on the product to prove its safety?

Bayer has extensive testing facilities in Europe and the USA and has carried out safety testing in Australia. Bayer employs a team of toxicologists and has a department dedicated to human risk assessment analysis. Imidacloprid is one of the coremolecules manufactured by Bayer and the toxicological profile of Maxforce White is well known.

Extensive studies have beenconducted on the product which havebeen independently assessed by thefederal regulatory body (the APVMA).