Some insecticide dusts are formulated with silicon dioxide, or silica, including Rockwell’s CimeXa insecticide dust. Silicon dioxide is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen (SiO2) that is found throughout nature including in the earth’s crust, water, plants, and animals. As an insecticide, it works as a desiccant, causing rapid dehydration and death. There are concerns about exposure to silica dust particles. However, it’s important to recognize that there are two forms of silicon dioxide—crystalline and amorphous silica. These forms of silica have different properties and functions, and only one poses a health risk.
Crystalline silica is a mineral found in stone, soil, and sand. It is most commonly seen in the form of quartz. It has a defined structure composed of crystals. Crystalline silica is often used in materials for construction, pottery, and glass manufacturing and is found in bricks, concrete, and mortar. When these materials are broken down, they form tiny dust particles that can be inhaled.
Synthetic amorphous silica does not have a defined crystalline structure. It is made from a controlled mixture of sodium silicate and acid. Amorphous silica comes in many forms and grades and has multiple functions. It is used in a variety of industries, and the FDA includes it on its Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list. Amorphous silica is used as a desiccant, which can be formulated into an effective pest control product.
Silica has many uses, but there are concerns regarding the safety of exposure to silica dust particles. Crystalline silica has been linked to silicosis, which causes scarred tissue in the lungs and can lead to serious health concerns. Crystalline silica becomes problematic when respirable-sized particles are inhaled. This harmful dust is the result of the breaking down of materials containing crystalline silica. This typically occurs when materials, like stone, brick, and concrete, are cut, drilled, or crushed.
While crystalline silica can be harmful, synthetic amorphous silica is not associated with silicosis and does not contain the potentially harmful crystals. Amorphous silica does have drying properties. Inhaling it can be irritating but not dangerous. To avoid this irritation, it is best to wear a dust mask during application.
CimeXa insecticide dust is comprised of 92.1% silicon dioxide as synthetic amorphous silica. The engineered, controlled mixture is neutralized and purified in a washing process. It is then dried and milled. This process ensures that the silica does not contain any crystalline silica particles. The amorphous silica used in CimeXa is specifically designed to be an effective insecticide. When bed bugs and other pests walk through the dust, it clings to their exoskeleton. Its high absorption of water and oil causes it to destroy the waxy cuticle of insects, drying them out and resulting in rapid dehydration and death. CimeXa does not have repellent properties, ensuring pests won’t try to avoid the dust. It remains effective for up to ten years when undisturbed.
CimeXa is highly effective against bed bugs and other pests including fleas, ticks, lice, cockroaches, ants, silverfish, spiders, pantry beetles and moths, mites, and drywood termites. It works best in dry, undisturbed areas such as in attics, crawlspaces, wall voids, cracks, crevices, and closets.
CimeXa should be applied at a rate of 2 oz per 100 sq ft or 1 lb per 1000 sq ft in attics and crawlspaces. Apply as a light, visible film using a handheld duster. For crack and crevice treatments, you can use a paint brush to help push the dust into these small areas. CimeXa can also be used for liquid applications as a spray, paint, or foam. Mix 1 lb of the product with 1 gallon of water, and apply the mixture at a rate of 1 qt per 250 sq ft.
When choosing an insecticide, it is important to find a product that you can feel confident and safe using. Though crystalline silica is linked to silicosis, crystalline-free amorphous silica does not pose this risk. When used as directed, insecticide dusts formulated with amorphous silica provide effective results and are safe to use. CimeXa’s quick and long-lasting control of pests make it a must-have tool for PMPs.