The product:
Mitex is a purified silicate mineral formed from the remains of silica-shelled diatoms many millions of years ago.
It is a very effective drying agent and can be used to kill insects by desiccation. It has been assessed under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (COPR) for use as a pesticide.
The product has been approved by the FDA in the USA and has been awarded a rating of Food Chemical Codex Grade and in Europe it can be used in animal feeds under EC Directive 70/524 and its amendments with an E number E 551c.
Major benefits:
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- It kills insects by desiccation without the need for chemical pesticides
- It is more abrasive, and more effective, against red mites than silica gel, which
- is also very fine and dusty to use.
- Insects are killed within 3 days of direct contact with Mitex.
- It has no effect on biological control systems
Usage:
Poultry - Mitex should be dusted at a rate of 15 to 30 grams per (m²) total hard surface area. Initially a powder fogger should be used to apply 30g/(m²), prior to bird placement. This should be followed by a second application as feathers and litter cover the treated surfaces of the house. Please note moisture inactivates Mitex.
Grain Stores - In line with HGCA recommendations (please note moisture inactivates Mitex):
Pre-Harvest:
Treat the fabric of the empty storage silo or storage area with a powder fogger at the rate of 10 g/m2
Silo* and Floor† storage of grain:
Mitex is used for surface treatment of dried stored grain. As stated previously, moisture inactivates Mitex and any evidence of mould should be treated with Mycostat first.
Prevention:
Treat the top 30 cm with 200 g/m2 which equates to ~ 1 kg/t.
Infested grains:
Treat the top 30 cm with 600 g/m2 which equates to ~ 3 kg/t.
