Biocides against invasive species: Slovenia fights red swamp crayfish with a pyrethrum-extract product after mechanical methods and eDNA monitoring failed, Belgium fights termites in a zoo — Decisions (EU) 2026/2140 and 2026/2141
Two Commission implementing decisions published on 29 September 2026 allow actions taken under Article 55(1) of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 to be extended beyond the standard 180 days: for Slovenia — the use of the product Pyblast EW against red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in the Črna mlaka watercourse until 1 September 2026; for Belgium — the hexaflumuron baits Recrute Pro and Recrute HD against the termite Reticulitermes flavipes in the Pairi Daiza zoo until 28 August 2027.
- Slovenia: Procambarus clarkii is on the Union list of invasive alien species under Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014. Before the biocide was used near the villages of Lopata and Medlog, electrofishing, trapping, physical barriers, mechanical cleaning of channels, systematic monitoring and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis were applied — eradication failed. Heating the water and drying out the watercourse were rejected because the crayfish hide in moist burrows.
- Pyblast EW (product-type 18) contains an extract of the flowers of Dalmatian pyrethrum obtained with hydrocarbon solvents; the substance is approved for product-type 18, but no product containing it has been authorised yet. According to the decision, laboratory tests under semi-natural conditions showed that the crayfish die within a very short time even at the lowest tested concentration and after short exposure. The original action covered 5 September 2025 – 4 March 2026; the 180-day extension (5 March – 1 September 2026) is meant to allow the project, delayed by water and environmental law requirements, to be completed.
- Belgium: greenhouses of the Pairi Daiza zoo were infested with Reticulitermes flavipes termites after wood was imported from southern France. An earlier treatment with a diflubenzuron product was ineffective; this species can only be controlled with bait systems. Hexaflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, is currently the only active substance approved in the EU for use against termites, and Portugal is evaluating the authorisation application for both products.
- The Belgian action of 27 August 2025 applied until 23 February 2026; the 550-day extension covers 24 February 2026 – 28 August 2027. In both cases the Commission requires that the product be used only under the supervision of the competent authority.