The Insect Research Facility offers a wide range of services for industry: ·
PRC can offer studies for product screening and development, label claims, registration or marketing. We have our own standard protocols or we can work from supplied protocols or develop custom protocols. Equipment includes normal laboratory apparatus as well as specialised insect bioassay equipment such as WHO Small Chambers, Peet-Grady Chamber, micro applicators, Potter Spray Tower and arenas for cockroach bait and gel efficacy work.
We also carry out laboratory-based human repellency studies on mosquitoes, House flies, ticks and leeches. All repellent studies are carried out with Human Research Ethics approval.
Example of some of the studies we can offer are:
Solenoid sprayer
Personal insect Repellent – Arm in the cage test
Peet Grady chamber
Small chambers
PRC has a range of simulated field studies currently in progress which simulate aspects of a full field study and provide valuable data prior to commitment to full field studies. Some examples are large tent studies for fly baits and artificial pond studies for mosquito larvicides. We also have a cockroach or cat flea bioassays where substrates are aged in the field and returned to the laboratory for bioassays.
Room simulation for mosquito and fly studies
Flea bioassay
Sydney has a warm subtropical climate with a summer average temperature of 25°C. There is heavy pest pressure and good populations for field studies. These include studies on German cockroaches, ants and webbing spiders.
Summer in Australia is December to February which enables field studies to be carried out in the northern hemisphere’s winter. Winter temperatures in Australia are warm and can still enable some field studies, particularly in the tropical north of Australia.
Field studies on mosquitoes, biting midges and American cockroaches can be carried out all through the year in the tropical north of Australia (Darwin and Cairns). Bush fly and House fly studies can be carried out in Dalby (Queensland) and Tennant Creek (Northern Territory). European wasp is an introduced pest in Australia and studies are possible in the southern states in Australia’s Autumn months.
Field Studies include:
Mosquito area repellency study
German cockroach field sites
American / Australian cockroach field study
Mosquito study using CO2 mosquito traps
Termite field study – Sacrificial timber
Termite field study – Exposed slabs
Personal Insect Repellent (PIR) study
Example of bush fly presence
We can provide Short Courses (1-2 days) on insecticide toxicology and biology and control or urban pests including mosquitoes, cockroaches and ants. A practical bioassay component can be included if required.
Our expertise in pest biology, insecticide technology, and control methods have meant that we have been called upon to provide advice on appropriate control methods. Clients include Parliament House Canberra, NSW Department of School Education, Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC).
We have also acted as expert witnesses in litigation involving pest control and insect problems.
We have presented nationally and internationally at industry training seminars as well as international research conferences.
Pest Research Consultants (PRC) have worked with many consumer and professional insecticide manufacturers evaluating numerous products that have been successful in the market.
PRC has also undertaken testing for Choice magazine in both Australia and New Zealand. Both principal staff are interviewed regularly on national radio and occasionally on national television and press regarding urban insects and their control.
Over 35 Years
Experience
National and international clients
Modern purpose-built laboratories
Field study locations throughout Australia
Evaluation of insecticides and repellents against urban insect pests.
The clients and brands we work with.
