What to Look for in an Insecticide
Type
Insecticides are typically sold in four different formats: sprays, concentrates, powders, and granules.
Sprays, like the BioAdvanced 3-In-1 Insect, Disease, and Mite Control, are convenient as they are already prepared and do not require any additional mixing. However, their cost is slightly higher and the quantity you receive upon purchase is less. This makes them suitable for small plants or indoor use.
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Concentrates give you the most for your dollar, with you having to do the math and make the dilutions. If you have the equipment to spray, such as a pump or backpack sprayer, this can be a cost-effective method.
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Powders, such as diatomaceous earth, are applied during dry periods, usually around perimeters or around garden beds. Once wet, they lose some of their effectiveness.
Granules are simple to apply, usually just shaken directly from the canister, and can be used both indoors and outdoors, depending on instructions. Sometimes these need to be watered in to ensure absorption by the plant roots. Keep in mind that granules, like Bonide Insect Control Systemic Granules, should not be applied to edibles and cannot be used in vegetable gardens or around fruit trees.
Targeted Insects
Many common pests, such as aphids, are becoming more resistant to several insecticides that have been on the market for many years. Finding the best insecticide for your targeted pest requires some research. If you are dealing with multiple kinds of insect pests, employing one of these is most effective.
Coverage Area
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Many insecticides are designed for specific locations throughout the yard and say on their packages whether they are intended for lawn or for flowerbed use. Sprays are best for small areas, where maybe a few plants are infested, whereas granules can easily be spread over larger areas.
Longevity
When dealing with insecticides, especially those carrying toxic chemicals, longevity is important. Many of the original insecticides that were commonly used are no longer available for sale, so perhaps even those that the EPA allows for home use today shouldn’t persist in the environment for long periods. It is also important to read labels carefully, as factors such as rain can influence how long insecticides work and last in your landscape.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Amanda Rose Newton, a freelance writer and garden reviewer for The Spruce. As an entomologist, she delighted in personally testing out the products above in order to provide advice to those with different needs, yards, and values when it comes to pest control.
To make this list, Newton tested each product over the course of three weeks, both around the home and in the garden. She also considered the difficulty in application, dilution, and tested longevity. As an avid home gardener, many of the recommended products are her own personal favorites. She also talked with Stephanie Boone, founder and CEO of BOON Technologies, a biopesticide research and development company focused on licensing technology to commercial and consumer markets.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
