Optigard Ant Gel BaitPlant Protection Product ComparisonPlant Protection Product ComparisonReport inaccuraciesReport inaccuracies

FOR USE IN COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS
For indoor and outdoor control of sugar feed ants which invade structures.

STORAGE
Store in original container in a cool, dry area, out of reach of children and pets. To prevent contamination store this product away from food or feed.

DISPOSAL
1. Thoroughly empty the contents of the container into the application device.
2. Make the empty container unsuitable for further use.
3. Dispose of the container in accordance with provincial requirements.
4. For information on disposal of unused, unwanted product, contact the manufacturer or the provincial regulatory agency. Contact the manufacturer or provincial regulatory agency in case of a spill, and for clean-up of spills.

PRODUCT INFORMATION
OPTIGARD Ant Gel Bait Insecticide is designed for the control of ants which feed on sweets. Ants feeding on bait may return to the nest and transfer bait to other workers, the queen and their young, which may result in colony death. The likelihood of colony control is greatly affected by:
Differences in biology and behaviours between species including susceptibility to thiamethoxam and transference (trophallaxis) behaviours
The amount of bait available
The size of the colony
The percentage of the colony feeding on the bait
For effective management of ants, reduction of alternative food sources (such as honeydewproducing insects like aphids) inside and around the structure is critical. Long term control is most effectively obtained with a combination of methods used for ant management.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
DO NOT contaminate irrigation or drinking water supplies or aquatic habitats by cleaning of equipment or disposal of wastes.
Treated baits must be placed in locations NOT accessible to children, pets, livestock or wildlife OR in tamper-resistant bait stations. Tamper-resistant bait stations must:
1. be constructed of high-strength material that is hard for children or animals to destroy;
2. be constructed so that the bait cannot be shaken out;
3. have an entrance which prevents children and non-target animals from reaching bait;
4. have an access panel which fastens securely and locks;
5. be able to be securely fastened to a surface;
Use only in sites listed on the product label.
Bait Application (Indoor and Outdoor Applications)
For indoor and outdoor control of sugar feeding ants which invade structures.
OPTIGARD Ant Gel Bait Insecticide can either be dispensed directly from the syringe applicator or by loading the syringe applicator into a commercially available bait injector.
Spot Treatment (Indoor and Outdoor):
Bait must be placed in locations not accessible to children, pets, and non-target wildlife. Apply approximately 5 mm length of gel (~0.1 g) for each spot with a minimum of 1-3 spots per m² in locations where ants are observed actively foraging, entering the structure or next to ant trails found close to the structure. Apply in cracks, crevices, corners, holes and out of the way places. Common places to find and treat for ants include:
under and behind kitchen appliances
under sinks
along baseboards
around windows and door frames
near pipes and water heaters
in the attic, crawl space and garage
food storage areas (See Application Within Food/Feed Handling Establishments)
around soffits, eaves and weep holes
areas of high moisture
Bait Station (Outdoor Only):
When bait is used outdoors in locations that may be accessible to children, pets, and non-target wildlife, bait must be placed into refillable, tamper-resistant bait stations bearing the product name, active ingredient and guarantee, Pest Control Products Act registration number, and registrant contact information. Squeeze out approximately 5 cm length (~1 g) for each bait station. Close tamper-resistant stations securely after application. Place in locations where ants may enter the structure. Use a minimum of 1 to 3 bait stations per 10 m².
Inspect regularly after placing Optigard Ant Gel Bait Insecticide. If gel has been consumed and ants are still present, reapply. Use more bait spots in locations where ants eat entire placements within 1 to 2 days and ant activity remains high to ensure a continual supply of bait. Bait remaining for more than two weeks may need to be replaced for freshness.
If the area to be treated has been recently treated with insecticide, thoroughly clean the area before applying this bait. Do not spray insecticide over gel as this may cause the bait to become repellent.
Avoid applying gel where the surface temperature is exceedingly hot because the gel could liquefy.
Place bait where it won’t be disturbed or contaminated by cleaning or work activities. Do not apply to areas that are routinely washed as bait may be removed or diluted and spread onto the surface. Do not treat food preparation surfaces.
Exposure to direct sunlight, extreme heat or cold and water may reduce length of bait effectiveness.
Application Within Food/Feed Handling Establishments
Food/feed areas include areas for receiving, storage, packing (canning, bottling, wrapping, boxing), preparing foods, edible waste storage, and enclosed processing systems (mills, dairies, edible oils, syrups). Serving areas are also considered a food/feed area when food is exposed and facility is in operation.
Application within food/feed areas of food/feed handling establishments is limited to crack and crevice treatment only. If bait contacts an exposed surface where food is handled, remove bait and wash exposed surface with an effective cleaning compound followed by a potable water rinse prior to use.
Apply directly into cracks and crevices with syringe applicator or bait injector. Place applicator tip into cracks, crevices, holes and other small openings where ants may travel and apply small amounts of bait per spot. Apply approximately 5 mm length of gel (~0.1 g) for each spot with a minimum of 1-3 spots per m2 . Apply bait between different elements of construction, between equipment and floors, openings into voids and hollow spaces in equipment bases and legs, walls, floors and ceilings, around plumbing pipes, doors and windows, cabinets, sinks, closets, stoves, and other equipment. Specifically target places where ants may enter the structure.
Do not apply bait to areas where food/feed utensils or processing surfaces may be contaminated.