Hexaflumuron is used as part of a termite inspection, monotoring, and baiting system. It is an insect growth regulator that works by inhibiting the insect's growth. It interferes with chitin synthesis, which termites need to form a new exoskeleton. Hexaflumuron is contained in a bait labeled for use in an integrated pest management system (Sentricon System) to control subterranean termites outside homes, buildings, fences, landscape plantings and other structures susceptible to termite damage. Pest control operators use hexaflumuron as part of aboveground and underground baiting systems. They place it in a tamper-resistant bait station where foraging termites consume it.

This chemical is part of a pest monitoring system and is used selectively only in baiting stations where termite activity is present and only when the activity continues. Termites are social insects that share food and feeding sites. Foraging termites recruite nestmates to feeding sites by leaving a pheromone trail to the site, allowing the entire nest to feed on the bait containing hexaflumuron.

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) interfere with the insect's physical development. This particular IGR interferes with the insect's ability to molt. Insects have their skeleton on the outside of their bodies, an exoskeleton. In order to grow larger they must periodically shed this exoskeleton in a process called molting. Hexaflumuron does not allow the termite to molt properly so it dies in the process. When hexaflumuron is passed from one termite to another the affected termites die during their next molt. In time, there are too few termites left to take care of the colony and feed the queen. When the queen dies the colony is eliminated.

CAS No.: 86479-06-3
Molecular formula: C16H8Cl2F6N2O3
Molecular weight: 461.1
Specifications: 95% TC, 5% EC