Bell Labs Introduces Terad<SUB>3</SUB> Ag and Terad<SUB>3</SUB>, New Vitamin D<SUB>3</SUB> Baits

MADISON, WIS - Pest management professionals now have a newly formulated bait to fight rodent infestations using the unique active ingredient, Vitamin D₃.

After years of extensive research, scientists from Bell Laboratories have developed Terad₃ Ag for rodent control in the rapidly growing organic production market and Terad₃ for structural pest control. These Vitamin D₃ baits kill anticoagulant-resistant rats and mice yet substantially reduce the risk of secondary poisoning, according to Bell Labs. They also pose low toxicity to birds.

Terad₃ Ag is the first rodenticide registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for organic production. Terad₃ Ag can be used in all types of organic production, including food processing, warehousing and storage and animal production. It is labeled for use in and around agricultural buildings, such as swine, poultry, cattle and dairy facilities.

“This unique bait gives PMPs access to a top quality rodenticide for organic facilities where previously no baiting options were available,” said Suzy Pursell, Bell’s product manager.

One of the most unique aspects of these new formulations is it marks the development of a Vitamin D₃ block bait. Terad₃ Ag Blox combines the most recent advances in Bell’s bait formulation with the low hazard benefits of Vitamin D₃. It is a denser, tightly compacted 1-oz. extruded block with superb durability. The highly weatherable Blox also incorporate an advanced preservation system, making the bait mold and moisture resistant. Its high melting point keeps the bait stable in temperatures as high as 200° F. With Blox, bait translocation is also reduced.

The bait also is highly palatable and its active and inert ingredients meet the organic materials requirements for Organic Materials Research Institute (OMRI) listing.

Terad₃ Ag also has a recognized stop-feed action, reducing the need for extensive and continued bait use, according to Bell Labs. Rodents typically stop feeding after a day or two, which ultimately results in lower total bait consumption with greater cost savings.

For the structural pest control market, Bell offers Terad₃ Blox and pellets. "Terad₃ uses the same formulation as Terad₃ Ag so it has all the features and benefits of Terad₃ Ag – low toxicity to birds, kills anticoagulant-resistant rats and mice, stop-feed action, palatability, durability, weatherability and no secondary poisoning,” noted Pursell.

“While Terad₃ does not carry the ‘For Organic Production’ statement, it has a broader label for use in multiple applications,” she noted. “It’s an excellent choice for controlling rodents at agricultural and animal production facilities, warehousing and food processing plants, as well as for commercial and residential accounts.”

Terad₃ is available now and Terad₃ Ag will be available in early Autumn 2009, as state registrations are received.