FMC introduces Talstar XTRA granular insecticide

FMC Professional Solutions announced the launch of Talstar XTRA granular insecticide, the newest addition to its expanding line of Talstar products. Talstar XTRA combines the proven residual of Talstar with the speed of a new active ingredient, zeta-cypermethrin.

For pest control operators, this means quick and long-term control of a wide range of surface feeding pests, including the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), a potentially serious health threat to 40 million Americans living in the southern United States.  

"When used as directed, Talstar XTRA eliminates fire ant colonies in four hours or less, often in as little as minutes,” said Adam Manwarren, FMC product manager for granular insecticides. “This means dangerous fire ants can be eliminated from your customers lawns so quickly that you can treat in the morning and they can enjoy their yard in the afternoon.”

Combining the proven molecule in Talstar with the fast-acting zeta-cypermethrin, Talstar XTRA features an optimized, patent-pending formulation that quickly disrupts the insect’s nervous system. Though the formulation acts very fast, it doesn’t sacrifice the residual—at least four months—that pest management and turf professionals have come to expect from Talstar. The unique, dense sand granule enables the product to penetrate mulch and thatch to reach many surface feeding pests, yet appear invisible due to its small size.

Talstar XTRA granular insecticide is labeled for use against most ants, (including fire ants), chinch bugs, fleas, ticks, mole crickets, crane flies and many other lawn pests. The new granular product is approved for broadcast lawn, perimeter and mound treatments.

"The addition of our new active ingredient provides speed of control never before seen in granular insecticides because zeta-cypermethrin moves across the cuticle of the insect very quickly to disrupt its nervous system,” said Dr. Jim Walter, Innovation and Development Manager for FMC.  “This product is right in line with our core strategy to focus on customer-driven innovation.” 

In fact, more than 65 pest management professionals helped FMC test and improve the product prior to launch.

Talstar XTRA will be available from FMC authorized distributors beginning June 1, 2010.  The product will be sold in a 25 pound bag and the granules can be broadcast across almost 11,000 square feet or more than 60 fire ant mounds per bag.