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FAQ

If you're wondering if Strike® products would be right for your operation, take a look at some frequently asked questions we've received throughout the years. Hopefully they will clarify how Strike® product can help you keep midge and filter flies out of your site.

A: Midge flies, or chironomids, are one of the most common species of insects surrounding standing water sites. They are commonly found in wastewater treatment plants and along lake shores, but can tolerate a variety of environments. Chironomid midges lay eggs in slow-moving as well as stagnant water, in quantities of up to 3,000 at a time. After approximately one week, the eggs hatch to form larvae, also called bloodworms. The chironomid larvae thrive in nutrient-rich conditions, such as bacteria and sludge in wastewater treatment plants or other organic matter in lakes and ornamental ponds. Within approximately 10 days, the bloodworms mature into adult flies and start the cycle again. Severe chironomid midge fly infestations should be addressed to avoid nuisance issues and water quality problems.
A: Gall midge flies, family Cecidomyiidae, differ from chironomid midge flies, as the larvae live in the leaves and flowers of plants. The presence of gall midges causes the plant tissue to swell, forming galls. The family Chironomidae consists of nearly 2,000 species. Chironomid larvae are herbivorous and can be found in water sites.

A:  Drain flies, sink flies, moth flies, or sewer gnats (Psychodidae) are small true flies (Diptera) with hairy bodies and wings; one of their common names, moth flies.There are more than 4,700 known species. The adults live for approximately 20 days, during which they will breed only once, often within hours of emerging from their pupal casings. Females will lay their eggs (between 30 and 100) just above the water line inside moist drains. Removing the breeding site is the most important part of a drain fly control program. 

A: Strike® is a highly effective larvicide for the control of nuisance flies at wastewater treatment facilities.
A: Strike® contains an insect growth regulator (IGR). IGRs are unique in that they do not control pests in the ways that conventional pesticides do. Conventional pesticides kill the adults, whereas IGRs work by controlling the emergence of adult pests from the pupal stage.
A: IGRs are mimics of natural products in an insect's body. A pest absorbs the IGR into its system, where it disrupts normal development and causes the insect to remain in the pupal stage where it dies. In other words, IGRs prevent flies from becoming the adults that create the nuisance to workers and surrounding residential areas.
A: Strike® is dispensed via a free-standing unit that contains a tank, metering pump, stand and mixing device. All of the equipment runs on 120 volts, and typical setup takes less than 15 minutes.
A: Strike® should be applied to infested areas, including lagoons, ponds, and in wastewater treatment facilities where the sewage enters the system after primary treatment (grit and sediment separation). Make applications at the headworks or discharge box as the sewage enters the infested area.
A: Strike® is applied at the rate of 5 ounces (3oz for Ultra) per 1 million gallons of flow per day. Meter the correct amount of Strike® into the influent side over a 6 to 8 hour period of low flow. Continue the 5-ounce per million gallons rate for 7-10 days.

A:   No. They are water-based liquid concentrates which are easy to handle, mix and use. The active ingredient is Strike® liquids is active only against insects and is one of the most environmentally compatible insect control products on the market

A: No. Because the active ingredient in Strike® affects only insects, there is no need for concern about effects on the beneficial microbes. Nor do the inert ingredients in Strike® cause a problem.
A: Strike® can be used anywhere in the facility where midges and filter flies are a problem. Typical application sites include trickling filters, sludge drying beds, clarifiers and any other location where nuisance flies are breeding.
A: No. Strike® products have a relatively short half-life. After normal filtration and UV treatments, Strike® products are typically undetectable when water is tested.
A: Strike® is unlike any other product used to control filter flies. Strike® attacks the pest problem at the source - the organic matter associated with wastewater facilities. Strike® products control the larvae before they become adults, thus breaking the cycle of infestation. By preventing the larvae from becoming adults, there are no adults to continue the cycle. While other products kill only a small portion of adult flies, Strike® controls them at the source of the infestation.

Please Contact one of our following authorized distributors for more information.

 

CLARKE

675 Sidwell Court, St. Charles, IL 60174 60174

800-323-5727 | 630-894-2000

Fax: 630-894-1744 | 800-823-9344

Email: customercare@clarke.com

 

TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

10539 Maybank, Dallas, TX 75220

800-345-9387 | 214-357-5741

214-357-4541 (Fax)

Email: mike.nichols@target-specialty.com


UNIVAR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

10800 Pecan Park BLVD, Building 1, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78750

800-609-9414 | 801-328-1112

Fax: 801-328-8797

Email: specialtyinbox@univarusa.com

 

TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

15415 Marquardt Avenue

Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

800-352-3870

562-802-2238

Email: mike.nichols@target-specialty.com

 

VAN DIEST SUPPLY CO

P.O. Box 410

71703 US Highway 83, McCook, NE 69001-

United States

800-652-9306 | 308-345-5057

Fax: 308-345-3401

Email: vandiest@mccooknet.com