Natunex is distinctly different from older, traditional insecticides that are formulated with synthetic chemicals. The active ingredients in Natunex are plant-derived essential oils that have natural insecticidal properties.
These patented formulations are proven to deliver efficacy that’s comparable or superior to chemical-based insecticides, without their toxicity, safety concerns, resistance issues or application limitations.
“With Natunex, producers, facility managers and farm employees get excellent pest control while avoiding the laundry list of safety precautions, environmental concerns and application warnings that usually go hand-in-hand with chemical-based pest control products,” said Gary Bosch, DVM, vice president of sales and marketing, Novartis Animal Health.
“And since there are no restrictions on re-use, Natunex really takes the hassle out of applying pest control products.”
Natunex kills by contact, and studies show it frequently provided a quicker kill than the chemical insecticides it was compared against. The technology platform, developed by TyraTech Inc., works by blocking specific tyramine nerve receptors that are only active in insects and parasites.
These receptors are not active in humans and other mammals, which is why Natunex is non-toxic and poses minimal safety risk to people or animals.
“Our customers have requested a non-toxic and less restrictive alternative to chemical-based insecticides with increased frequency over the past few years,” added Bosch. “That’s why Novartis Animal Health is broadening its portfolio of pest control products to include Natunex biocides.”
The Natunex product line includes six formulations to control a wide variety of insects that can carry disease or negatively impact health. Two liquid formulations are available—Natunex Ready To Use Insect Killer and Natunex Drain Fly Killer. Natunex TechDust is a powder-based product. Aerosol products include Natunex Crawling Insect Killer, Natunex Flying Insect Killer and Natunex Stinging Insect Killer.
An important benefit of Natunex is that it doesn’t have the resistance issues that have developed with many chemical insecticides. Estimates are that nearly 1,000 species of insects have developed a resistance to chemical insecticides.
Over time, a higher concentration of these products is needed to achieve the same level of efficacy, which increases the toxicity risk and the impact on animals and the environment.
Pest Control, Biosecurity and Animal Health
Flies, beetles, roaches and other insects can spread disease and pose a health risk to livestock and farm animals. Mark Hammer, DVM, manager of veterinary services, Novartis Animal Health, said insect control is a critical component of animal health and biosecurity programs.
“We know insects are capable of spreading any number of diseases including salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli, Moraxella bovis, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Lawsonia intracellularis,” said Hammer.
“Beyond the health threats they present, insects also cause stress for production animals through biting or nuisance swarming, and that can divert energy from growth or recovery from an illness.”
As a non-toxic pest control solution that’s proven effective, Natunex represents a breakthrough alternative for the growing number of farm and production facility managers who want fast, convenient insect control without the safety risks and drawbacks associated with chemical-based insecticides. Direct contact of Natunex with skin and plants should be avoided.
For more information about Natunex, contact your Novartis Animal Health representative, animal health supplier or visit the Novartis Animal Health website. 
—From Novartis Animal Health news release
