Insecticide dusts provide long-lasting protection against a broad spectrum of pests, making them a valuable tool for PMPs. Rockwell’s CimeXa Insecticide Dust contains 92.1% silicon dioxide as amorphous silica. The light nature of CimeXa’s engineered silica dust allows it to float before settling on a surface and makes it much easier for pests to pick it up on the waxy cuticles on their bodies as they unknowingly move across the dust. Since CimeXa is a strong desiccant dust with very high absorption of water and oil, when a pest picks up the non-repellent dust on their bodies, it results in rapid dehydration and death. Application methods for CimeXa can vary depending on the area or surface being treated.
One of the many key features of CimeXa is that it is a very light and airy dust that provides great coverage in out-of-the-way and difficult-to-reach places like wall voids, plumbing chases, in cracks and crevices, and in attics and crawlspaces. We recommend using handheld or low volume electric dusters for those types of applications. CimeXa should be applied at a rate of 2 oz per 100 sq ft.
The light silica dust can make it challenging to work with when it comes to normal surface applications like on mattresses, upholstered furniture, and bed frames. To minimize floating dust particles on non-targeted exposed surfaces, testing has shown that CimeXa can be effectively applied to many surfaces with a paint brush. A 1 ½” or 2″ angled sash brush works well for most crevices and surfaces. Smaller detail brushes or artist brushes are ideal for fine detail work on mattresses and furniture. The objective is to get CimeXa onto and into the desired locations using the brush.
Another application option is to apply CimeXa as a wettable dust (a liquid suspension application). CimeXa is a unique dust in that it can be mixed with water and applied as a spray application. It doesn’t dissolve. It forms a slurry, which when dry goes back to its white dust form. The most effective mixing rate is 1 oz, which equates to 1 cup in 1 quart of water. A typical hand spray bottle is ideal for this application. If a compressed air sprayer is dedicated to applying CimeXa, 4 oz or 4 cups per gallon of water should be used and fine mesh screens should be removed. When applying CimeXa in a wettable dust form, it is best to spray the intended site with two light coats. Spray the first coat and let dry, then spray the second light coat. This method allows the CimeXa dust to “sit up” on the treated surface, ensuring maximum product pick-up as the bed bug walks through the dust.
For best results, mix the CimeXa with water as follows:
Note: Shake or re-agitate application equipment before use if application is interrupted to ensure the product is thoroughly mixed. Mix only the amount of application volume required. Do not store the spray mixture overnight as it will begin to gel after sitting several hours.
Simply pour some CimeXa dust into an open secondary container and “load” the brush with the desired amount of CimeXa. Then slowly brush it onto the targeted surfaces such as the tufts, seams, and folds on a mattress, box spring, and upholstered furniture or on a bed frame, furniture, baseboards, and other surfaces. Use the brush to push the dust into the cracks and crevices and into the tufts and folds of mattresses and cushions. It is important to remember that you only need to apply a light visible film of the dust to be effective, given its strong desiccant properties.
A CimeXa application with a brush requires:
Once mastered, technicians will find this to be an effective and efficient method of working the CimeXa dust into and onto many pest harborage sites. Using a paint brush as an application tool will help to greatly reduce drift of the dust particles and keep the dust exactly where it was applied. Once applied, CimeXa remains viable for up to 10 years when undisturbed. It has low-toxicity and is odorless, non-clumping, and non-staining. It is also a Green Zone product, meaning it is suitable for green service programs.
When applying an insecticide dust, it is important to choose the right application method. While handheld or low-volume electric dusters are great for some applications, a paint brush is a better option for certain surface applications. With its versatility and effectiveness, CimeXa is a great solution for long-lasting control of bed bugs and many other pests.