Dee Lusby wrote:

> Photodegradation of fluvalinate, like with other pesticides
> is not new, it is light breaking down, therefore
> decomposition of the product, but unfortunately light can
> only penetrate so deep. In natural sunlight, the half-life
> of fluvalinate is typically 1 day (or less).

A minor correction - Fluvalinate and other pesticides have half life
determined in a variety of environmental situations, but two are key, on
the plant and in soil. In water the half life is less than a day in
sunlight and about 3-6 without water in sunlight. In soil, it can be
from 15 to 30 days.

Temperature plays a great role in the half life of most pesticides, so
wax in a solar melter with increased temperatures will result in a
shorter half life, even if the sun does not hit it. Temperature and
water content are the reason that the half life of a pesticide is often
a range and not an absolute. Even in sunlight and in water, the half
life is from less than a half to a full day.

To assume that sunlight is needed to break down Fluvalinate is
incorrect. It is only one of several factors.

Depending on the length of time the wax is in the solar melter, it could
be a good way to remove some of the Fluvalinate. If you use a solar
melter or hot water bath the key is to keep it at a high temperature for
several days.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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