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How are EcoPCO products different from other so-called natural products?
Through extensive research and development, EcoSMART discovered that by combining a variety of certain plant oils, the effectiveness as a pesticide can be significantly enhanced. This proprietary combination of tree oils has been trademarked, Hexa-Hydroxyl®. However, the plant oils used in the active ingredient Hexa-Hydroxyl® are all U.S. FDA approved as food additives for food and beverage consumption. Please see our Technology section for more information.
What is Hexa-Hydroxyl® and how does it work?
Our new active ingredients, trademarked as Hexa-Hydroxyl®, are based on
distinct combinations of different plant essential oils that significantly
enhance the activity of these oils against insects. Our patented technology
demonstrates rapid insecticidal activity by combining oils with a common
molecular structure (a six-membered carbon ring with an oxygenated
functional group attached). Hexa-Hydroxyl's unique mode
of action targets a key neurotransmitter receptor called octopamine, which
is found in all invertebrates, but not mammals. Octopamine regulates an
insect's heart rate, movement, behavior and metabolism. Interrupting the
functioning of octopamine results in a total breakdown of the insect's
nervous system. Please see our Technology section for more information.
Which insect pests does your active ingredient work against?
Hexa-Hydroxyl® works against a very broad spectrum of the most common crawling and flying insect pests, including but not limited to ants, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, flies, moths, spiders, wasps and yellow jackets. Since all invertebrates use octopamine, all Hexa-Hydroxyl formulations provide broad spectrum control.
How fast does the contact kill work?
As previously stated, EcoSMART's active ingredient attacks the neurotransmitter octopamine in insects, which regulates many of their basic functions. Because receptors for octopamine are the most dominant biogenic amine receptors within insects, death occurs very quickly.
What is the acute oral toxicity of Hexa-Hydroxyl?
The Department of Toxicology at the University of California-Davis conducted mammalian acute oral toxicity studies using our active ingredient Hexa-Hydroxyl®, and found no mortality of the female rats at 5000 mg/kg. While further studies need to be conducted to determine the exact LD50 value, the company speculates it will be above the 10,000 mg/kg level. Until these studies are conducted, we are listing the LD50 of Hexa-Hydroxyl at 5000 mg/kg.
How long of a residual do the current dust formulations provide? Is the dust water-resistant?
In testing at the University of California-Riverside, our EcoPCO® D dust formula provided almost two months of activity from the active ingredient, and as Don Reierson at the University of California Riverside noted, "...there is no reason to presume that reasonably well-protected residues would not have a desiccating effect for as long as the powder remains and does not get too moist. It (EcoPCO® D) is also very active as a desiccant". EcoPCO® D is a water-resistant dust.
Will there be any bait formulations?
Given the current popularity of baits, we are exploring the possibility of incorporating Hexa-Hydroxyl® into a bait formulation.
Is there an odor associated with your products?
Because the active ingredient is comprised of a blend of natural plant essential oils, there is a "floral" type fragrance associated with some of our formulations. The fragrance itself depends on which blend of oils are used in a particular formulation. We have introduced an unscented product (EcoPCO® ACU), and plan to include additional unscented products in the near future.
Does EcoSMART Technologies have a technical staff?
EcoSMART maintains an extensive research and development team comprised of experts in their respective fields. Many of these experts serve on the company's Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP). Our internal technical team combines over 100 years of experience in toxicology, entomology, chemistry
and product formulations. EcoSMART maintains its own laboratories for basic research, product formulation and analytical chemistry.
Is Hexa-Hydroxyl® toxic to fish?
Preliminary fish toxicity studies conducted at Environment Canada showed that the oils comprising Hexa-Hydroxyl® are 3000 to 4000 times less toxic to fish than synthetic pyrethroids, and that these oils did not persist in the water beyond 48 hours.
Are your products registered with the EPA?
Yes, our products are registered with the EPA and fall under its "biologicals" division, a beneficial designation which qualifies for reduced data sets. We also offer exempt products, which do not require federal registration and are considered "minimum risk" by the EPA.
What kind of efficacy testing has been completed on Hexa-Hydroxyl®?
Efficacy studies using Hexa-Hydroxyl® have been done over the past several years in both university and independent laboratories and in the field. Extensive testing has been conducted at the University of California-Riverside, University of California-Davis, University of British Columbia, and the University of Georgia. The results of these studies, as well as numerous independent laboratories, have proven the effectiveness of Hexa-Hydroxyl® against a broad spectrum of insect pests.
Is EcoPCO® labeled for use in food handling establishments?
Yes, EcoPCO® is labeled for use in food handling establishments. The oils comprising Hexa-Hydroxyl are approved by the U.S. FDA as food additives.
Is EcoPCO considered to be a pesticide?
According to Webster, the definition of a "pesticide" is "an agent used to destroy pests". Based on this definition, EcoPCO® is considered to be a pesticide under the "botanical" classification.
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