Why should termiticides designed to bind to soil not be applied to water-saturated soil?

Termiticides that are designed to bind to soil rely on the soil's ability to adsorb these chemicals effectively in order to remain in place and deliver prolonged protection against termite infestations. When the soil becomes water-saturated, the ability of the soil to adsorb these termiticides significantly decreases. This is because the water-filled spaces in the soil prevent the pesticide molecules from attaching to soil particles. As a result, the termiticide is more likely to leach away with the excess water, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential environmental contamination.

Thus, applying termiticides to water-saturated soil not only compromises their ability to bind effectively, but it also raises concerns about their movement off-target, which can harm beneficial organisms and pollute nearby water sources. Therefore, the recommendations against applying such chemicals under these conditions are primarily focused on maintaining efficacy and protecting the environment.