Which type of termite bait product is the slowest acting?

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are designed to disrupt the normal growth and development of insects, including termites. They do not kill insects immediately; instead, they interfere with the life cycle of the insect by preventing it from maturing or reproducing. This slow-action mechanism allows IGRs to be particularly effective in controlling termite populations over time, as the affected termites will die eventually due to the inability to grow or reproduce, thus reducing future infestations.

This gradual decline in the termite population is advantageous in a baiting system because it allows the affected termites to return to the colony before dying, potentially spreading the IGR to other termites through grooming or social interactions. This effectiveness over time is what distinguishes IGRs as the slowest acting among the various treatment options available, ultimately leading to long-term control of termite infestations.

In contrast, contact pesticides typically act quickly, leading to immediate termite death upon exposure. Liquid treatments also have a more rapid effect by creating a barrier or killing on contact. Granular baits can have varying rates of action but generally act faster than IGRs as well.