What is thiamethoxam? An active ingredient from the neonicotinoid group. It does not repel and has no odour, so insects walk across the treated surface unaware, pick it up and die. It is used on bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, beetles and flies, and works on strains that have become resistant to pyrethroids.
How does it work?
- It enters by contact and feeding.
- It binds to nerve receptors and keeps them firing, paralysing the insect.
- It works differently from pyrethroids, so resistance to them does not affect it.
- Non-repellent: insects do not avoid the surface and take a full dose.
What does "non-repellent" mean and why does it matter?
Repellent insecticides make insects change route and avoid the treated area. With a non-repellent:
- The insect walks on it normally and returns to shelter.
- It passes some on to others by contact.
- It does not scatter the colony into other rooms.
- It can be placed near baits without spoiling them.
Which insects is it used for?
| Insect | Where to apply |
|---|---|
| Bed bugs | Bed and wall cracks and wall bases |
| Cockroaches | Cracks, under sinks and behind appliances |
| Ants | Trails and entry points, without breaking the trail |
| Beetles and darkling beetles | Stores and animal housing |
| Flies | Resting sites |
| Crickets | Entry points and wall bases |
What makes its formulation different?
It comes as a suspension concentrate: no solvent, almost no odour, usually no staining, and it stays on the surface once dry.
How to use it for bed bugs
- Wash bedding in hot water first.
- Spray cracks: the bed frame, behind pictures and along wall bases.
- Spray sofa seams from underneath.
- Follow the label for the mattress, relying on steam and a cover there.
- Repeat after two weeks for newly hatched bugs.
When do results show?
- Not instant like pyrethroids; insects die hours after contact.
- Numbers fall within days to two weeks.
- The residual effect keeps catching those that emerge later.
Safety
- Toxic to bees: do not spray flowering plants.
- Wear gloves and a mask.
- Let the room dry and air before sleeping in it.
- Do not spray food surfaces.
Products from Orkida
Thiamethoxam FAQs
How does it differ from imidacloprid?
Both are in the same group and act on the same receptors. The difference lies in the formulation, the product and the insects listed on the label.
Can I use it alongside gel bait?
Yes, because it does not repel. Just do not spray over the gel dots themselves.
Why did I not see dead insects straight away?
Because it is slower than pyrethroids. The insect walks off, returns to shelter and dies there.