Noviflumuron is the active ingredient in the Recruit HD termite bait system (now part of the Sentricon system family). It is a more potent chitin synthesis inhibitor than hexaflumuron, meaning termites need to consume less bait to receive a lethal dose, potentially speeding colony elimination.
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Classification
Benzoylphenyl Urea (Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor)
Signal Word
Caution
Mode of Action
Chitin synthesis inhibitor: blocks chitin production during molting at lower doses than hexaflumuron
Subterranean termites (all species including Formosan and Eastern subterranean termites). Like hexaflumuron, noviflumuron is used exclusively in bait stations for colony elimination.
Products and Brand Names
Recruit HD (Dow/Corteva), now integrated into the Sentricon Always Active system. Professional installation only. Recruit AG also used in agricultural settings for termite management.
Safety and Precautions
Extremely low mammalian toxicity - same safety profile as hexaflumuron. No chitin in mammals means no biological target. Safe around children, pets, and wildlife. Minimal environmental footprint.
Potency advantage: Noviflumuron is approximately 10x more potent than hexaflumuron as a chitin synthesis inhibitor. This means the bait stations can contain less active ingredient while achieving faster colony elimination.
Pro Tips
Evolution of termite baiting: Noviflumuron represents the second generation of Corteva termite bait technology. The higher potency means colonies may be eliminated faster than with hexaflumuron-based systems, though both are effective.
How it compares: In side-by-side field trials, noviflumuron achieved colony elimination in 60-90 days on average, compared to 90-180 days for hexaflumuron. Both ultimately achieve the same result - complete colony death.
Integration with monitoring: Modern Sentricon Always Active stations come pre-loaded with bait rather than requiring a separate monitoring and baiting phase. This means protection begins immediately upon installation rather than waiting for termites to discover empty monitoring stations first.
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Follow the product label. Keep pets out of treated areas until completely dried (2–4 hours for sprays). Once dry, treated surfaces pose minimal risk to dogs and cats.
Q: Can I use noviflumuron indoors?
Check the specific product label — formulations vary. Baits and dusts often have indoor labeling; concentrates and granulars are typically outdoor.
Q: How long does noviflumuron last after application?
Residual varies by formulation, surface type, weather, and UV exposure. Indoor applications last longer than outdoor. Check the product label for re-application intervals.
Q: What should I do if exposed?
Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. For eye contact, rinse 15–20 minutes. For ingestion or severe symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Have the product label available.
📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
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Noviflumuron Termite Bait — Safety Data Sheet
View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.
Did you know? Noviflumuron was specifically designed to be a more potent version of hexaflumuron. The goal was to reduce the amount of time between first bait contact and colony elimination - shortening the window during which termites could still be causing damage.
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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional. Last reviewed: April 2026.
