Rarely are ready to use products suggested for household, garden or turf and ornamental pest control jobs. Once an insecticide concentrate has been mixed with water it should be used within a few hours. You can actually lose 50% of your pesticide solution within 24 to 48 hours after mixing. The PH of water will break down your pesticide material quickly. This means that a ready mixed product probably does not contain as much active ingredient as its label states. Wettable powders are not only destroyed by "sitting" in water (as with other pesticides) but they will also settle out with the bulk of the material settling to the bottom of your spray tank. Frequent agitation (or shaking of your sprayer) helps keep a WP in solution longer. When originally manufactured the product (by law) had to contain exactly what the label states but this amount of active definitely breaks down as the product sits on the shelf. To save time and money, never use a ready mix pesticide and always use what you mix (from concentrate) the day it is mixed.

Aerosol insecticides are far more stable than a ready to use product and most aerosols have specific uses in homes, restaurants and business pest control. To read more about aerosols (insecticides, odor eliminators, IGR) go to our Aerosols Article.

Concentrated insecticides are materials that are mixed with water (in most cases) and are then applied through pump sprayers, foggers or other approved type of insecticide dispenser. There are several forms of concentrated insecticides. Wettable powders (WP,) soluble powders, emulsifiable concentrates (EC,) and microencapsulated (SC, CS, etc.) are the most common you will encounter when shopping for pest control supplies. Many people prefer to use a spray that is a systemic insecticide when treating lawns, shrubs and ornamentals.
Click on any of the following links to skip down to the insecticide formulation description and examples of each pesticide.

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How to Choose Insecticide Formulations

Wettable Powder Insecticide Concentrates	Soluble Powder Insecticide Concentrates
Emulsifiable Insecticide Concentrates	Microencapsulated Insecticide Concentrates, Suspension Concentrates

Care should be taken when matching products with application. While some insecticides are labeled for use in foggers and sprayers, this is not always the case. Not every product is safe to use in electric or propane foggers, usually due to safety reasons. Always read and follow label instructions!

Wettable Powder Insecticide Concentrates

There is a distinct difference between a wettable powder and a soluble powder. A soluble powder dissolves when mixed with water, in the same manner as dissolving sugar in water. Wettable powders do not dissolve. When mixed with water a wettable powder forms a suspension. That is, the particles that make up the material float throughout the solution. The main advantages of wettable powder insecticides: initial knock-down of targeted pests, extended residual effects and (in most cases) odorless.
When an emulsifiable concentrate insecticide (for instance) is mixed and sprayed on a wood surface, much of the active ingredient is absorbed into the wood or evaporates. When a wettable powder solution is sprayed on the same surface, 100% of the active ingredients are left on the surface of the wood. This feature provides a faster knock-down of insects and other pests. When dealing with infestations of spiders, centipedes, millipedes, German cockroaches, the extra knock-down of wettable powders (and a few microencapsulated products) is desirable. This insecticide formulation also gives a 90 day (or better) residual; emulsifiable concentrated products give 28 to 31 days residual.
The main disadvantage of a wettable powder: the finished solution can leave a visible residue on dark surfaces. (Visible residue is not to be confused with staining. Most professional indoor pesticides are water-safe for fabrics.) Wettable powder insecticide concentrates usually cost slightly more (per gallon of solution mixed) than liquid concentrates but are well worth the extra cost. When Cypermethrin products (Demon WP, Cynoff WP) were introduced to the professional pest control market, most pest control companies began their now popular quarterly pest control accounts. The super long residual of wettable powders meant that monthly spraying of homes was no longer necessary.
Wettable powders or microencapsulated liquid concentrates can be used to solve mild to severe ant control problems.

Soluble Powder Insecticide Concentrates

As their name imply, this group of insecticides easily dissolve in water. Once dissolved, a soluble powder makes an invisible pesticide solution that can be applied to approved surfaces. The most common soluble powders used in pest control are Acephate Turf and Acephate PCO Pro (Orthene) concentrates. Acephate Turf is primarily used on turf and ornamentals for the control of molecrickets, chinch bugs, lace wings and other outdoor pests. This product is not to be used indoors and cannot be used on edible food crops. Acephate PCO Pro (also know as Orthene) is an indoor insecticide that has two primary purposes: for use in restaurants for cockroaches and other indoor pests and also for use in areas where German roaches have shown a resistance to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. Products containing Acephate do generate a great deal of odor and care should be taken when applying the products so as not to offend clients.

Emulsifiable Insecticide Concentrates

An emulsifiable concentrate is simply a liquid concentrate that is added to water to create your pesticide solution. In most cases, EC is the designation for an emulsifiable insecticide (or fungicide) concentrate product. Examples of this type of pesticide formulation: Demon EC, Cynoff EC, Permethrin Pro, Catalyst.
There are other emulsifiable products that are not insecticides. A good example is Gentrol, an IGR in liquid concentrate form.
Emulsifiable concentrates usually dry clear and give 28 to 31 days residual. These products are also cheaper to use for jobs requiring a large volume of pesticide spray. When treating a cedar siding home or other such structure for carpenter bees, Demon EC or Cynoff EC save a great deal of money over wettable powder products that would leave a visible residue on such dark surfaces.

Microencapsulated Insecticide Concentrates

A microencapsulated (micro encapsulated) product can give you a longer residual than a conventional liquid concentrate (EC) without leaving an unsightly residue found when using wettable powders. A good examples of professional concentrates in microencapsulated form is Demand CS.
This type of insecticide will actually deposit microscopic particles of insecticide (invisible to the naked eye) on surfaces where it is sprayed or applied. These tiny "bubbles" of active ingredient are burst when stepped on by or groomed in by the targeted pest. Many people have discovered that Demand CS insecticide concentrate may cost more than conventional products but each bottle makes many gallons of odorless spray, saving a great deal of money over long periods. The same can be said of Suspend SC which is actually a suspension concentrate that dries to tiny crystals after application.
Suspend SC is the most popular product used in control of spiders, fleas, ticks and ants in and around homes and restaurants.
If you want a longer residual than what is provided by an emulsifiable concentrate but do not want the visible residue left by a wettable powder, choose Suspend SC or Demand CS.

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Choosing Insecticide Concentrate Formulation

Basic properties, advantages, disadvantages:

EC - Emulsifiable Concentrate
This type of insecticide is cheaper than most concentrates, making it more affordable for drenching fire ant mounds and treating large structures for carpenter bees, carpenter ants. An EC product dries without leaving a visible residue, a distinct advantage when spraying schools, hospitals and other structures that have dark baseboards.
When spraying apartment complexes, property managers prefer monthly spraying so that each unit is constantly being inspected and monitored for potential problems. An EC is cheaper to use on a monthly basis.
Cynoff EC Demon EC Permethrin Liquid Cypermethrin Concentrates

WP or W - Wettable Powder Concentrate
Use a wettable powder when visible residues (on dark surfaces) are not an issue. This formulation lasts at least 3 times longer than an EC and has no odor. It also has a faster knock-down and is better for killing spiders and other hard to kill pests.
Cynoff WP Demon WP Tempo WP

Soluble Powder Concentrate
A soluble powder will give the same residual as an EC insecticide. Packaged in a dry form (which prevents spilling, freezing) this powder dissolves in water to give a clear pesticide solution.
Orthene (Acephate PCO Pro) Acephate Turf (Acephate has a systemic action)

Micro Encapsulated or Microencapsulated Concentrate, Suspension Concentration

This liquid contains microscopic particles that easily mix with water and are applied using same equipment as other insecticide concentrates. If you want to use as little pesticide as possible, with a long residual and no odor, choose one of these pesticide concentrates. On most surfaces, these types of insecticides dry to an invisible finish.
Suspend SC Tempo SC Demand CS

Listing of Insecticide Concentrates

Acephate Pro PCO
General purpose insecticide powder concentrate; kills roaches, ants and other pests in homes and restaurants. Each pack yields one or two gallons of solution. Also available in box of 10 packs. Cannot be shipped to NY, NJ, CT, VT, HI, CA, AK.
Price: $8.50

Acephate Turf
Soluble powder insecticide concentrate used to control molecrickets, chinch bugs and other pests in turf and ornamentals. One pound container treats 1/4 acre. Cannot be shipped to NY, NJ, CT, VT, HI, CA, AK.
Price: $19.50

Bora-Care
Gallon size container. Liquid concentrate borate spray used to control termites, powderpost beetles, fungi, wood destroying organisms in wood. 1 gallon of concentrate makes 2 gallons solution which will treat 1,000 square feet. Order case of 4 gallons for larger jobs and better savings. Cannot be shipped to AK.

Cynoff EC
Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin. This odorless, general purpose insecticide contains the best active ingredient for elimination German roaches, ants and other insect pests. Leaves no visible residue. Using just 1/2 ounce per gallon, each quarts makes 64 gallons. Similar to Demon EC. Cannot be shipped to NY, CT, VT, HI, AK.
Price: $82.00

Cynoff WP
Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin. Odorless insecticide in wettable powder formulation which gives 90 day residual. Choice of professional for spiders, roaches, ants and other listed pests when treating quarterly and annual accounts. Each one pound container will make up to 48 gallons of odorless solution. Safe for homes, schools, businesses. Cannot be shipped to NY, CT, VT, HI, AK.
Price: $59.00

Demand CS
Each 8 ounce container will make up to 40 gallons of odorless solution. Cannot be shipped to NY, CT, VT, HI, AK.
Price: $59.50

Demize EC
Concentrated liquid used for flea control. Label states that Demize EC will kill all stages of the flea:
adult flea, pupae, flea eggs, flea larvae.

Demon EC, Demon Max
Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin. Low odor, general purpose insecticide. Originally formulated under the name "Demon EC" it is now marketed under the name of "Demon Max." Same product with same amount of Cypermethrin, new name.
Very safe for indoor and outdoor pest control. Contains the best active ingredient for elimination German roaches, ants and other insect pests. Leaves no visible residue. Using just 1/2 ounce concentrated insecticide per gallon, each pint makes 32 gallons. Similar to Cynoff Emulsifiable Concentrate. Cannot be shipped to NY, CT, VT, HI, AK.
Price: $59.00

Demon WP
Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin. A crack and crevice and/or spot treatment for residual and contact control of ants, carpenter ants, cockroaches, crickets, spiders and certain other insects. This odorless wettable powder is the most popular insecticide concentrate used in general household pest control. One pound bulk jar makes up to 48 gallons of solution. Comes with easy-to-use measuring scoop. Cannot be shipped to NY, CT, VT, HI, AK.
Price: $69.00 per Lb., $19.50 per pack which yields 2 to 4 gallons.

Exciter
Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins 6.00%, Piperonyl Butoxide 60.00%. Can be used as a spray or fog. Can be used alone or tank-mixed with other insecticides. Use 1 to 4 ounces per gallon. Each pint is $49.50, plus S&H. Cannot be shipped to NY, NJ, CT, VT, AK, HI.
Price: $60.00

Mop Up
Active Ingredients: Disodium Octoborate 98% (boric acid) A mop rinse insecticide that leaves an odorless, invisible residue which cockroaches cannot detect. This product contains a heat treated boric acid which is substantially more water soluble than other borate products. Mop UP is a non-flammable, non-staining, odorless powder that will help control cockroach infestations and should be used in conjunction with a residual pest control product or with regular exterminating service. Add one cup of Mop Up to rinse water. Apply to floor areas only. Avoid treating areas that may come into contact with food. Reapply as necessary.
Price: $29.00

Permethrin, Consumer Grade
This synthetic pyrethroid is as safe as it gets if you are hunting for a contact and residual insecticide. A broad label includes inside insects, outside insects, spraying barns and chicken houses and making a dip or spray for dogs or horses. Qt container; use 1 to 6.7 ounces per gallon. Cannot be shipped to AK, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IA, ME, MA, MN, MT, NE, NV, HN, NJ, NY, ND, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WY.
Price: $34.50

Permethrin, Professional Grade
Active Ingredient: Permethrin 36.8% [Same a.i. as Dragnet and Flee] This low odor insecticide is a favorite with professionals and homeowners for general purpose pest control as well as termite control. Permethrin is a very safe product that is labeled for use indoors on carpets, outdoors on turf and ornamentals and is also one of the best termiticide on the market. Only 1 to 1.6 ounces of concentrate is needed per gallon! Also available in 1.25 gallon container. Cannot be shipped to MA, NY, NJ, CT, VT, HI, AK.
Price: $49.50 per quart, $220.00 per 1.25 gallon jug

Suspend SC
Active Ingredient: Deltamethrin. Odorless synthetic pyrethroid; lasts two times longer than ordinary liquid concentrates with no visible residue. Very safe around children and pets; will not harm most plants and is water-safe for indoor flea and tick use. Primarily used for bi-monthly and quarterly pest control. Cannot be shipped to NY, CT, VT, HI, AK. Each pint is only $42.50 and will make about 20 gallons.
Price: $42.50

Talstar Concentrate
Active Ingredient: Bifenthrin. This is the best liquid concentrate on the market for spraying lawns for control of molecrickets, ants, chinch bugs and many other listed pests. When applied properly, is very safe for people and pets after treated surfaces are allowed to dry. Very economical: use only 1/2 ounce (sometimes less!) per thousand sq. ft. to control ants and other pests; use 1 ounce per 1,0000 sq. ft. to control molecrickets. Available in pints, quarts and gallons. Cannot be shipped to CA, MA, NY, NJ, CT, VT, HI, AK.

Tempo SC
This odorless insecticide is safe to use in homes, restaurants, schools. Special formulation delivers longer residual than regular liquid concentrates. Each 240 ml bottle costs $46.00 and will make up to 30 gallons of solution. Effective against ants, boxelder bugs, beetles, roaches and many other insect pests. Cannot be shipped to NJ, NY, CT, VT, HI, AK.
Price: $46.00

Tempo WP
Odorless insecticide concentrate that is labeled for use in homes, schools, restaurants and can also be sprayed on most ornamental plants. The best for Boxelder Bugs. Also effective on roaches, ants and many other listed pests. Each 420 gram jar costs $65.00 and will make up to 40 gallons of odorless solution. Cannot be shipped to NY, CT, VT, HI, AK.
Price: $65.00

Termitafoam
Foaming agent. When mixed with your insecticide in our Professional Foamer, produces expanding foam insecticide solution. Great for foaming inside wall voids, beneath slabs, etc. Each gallon is $32.00, plus S&H.
Price: $32.00

Timbor
Odorless powder concentrate used to protect wood from wood destroying organisms such as termites, powderpost beetles, old house borers. 1 pound pouch of powder mixes with 1 gallon water, to treat 200 square feet of wood. Also available in money-saving 25 pound drum. Cannot be shipped to NY, CT, VT, HI, AK.

Ultra-Fine Pesticide Oil Spray
Insecticide oil, used for treating plants, vegetables, ornamentals. Each quart is $16.50, plus S&H. Cannot be shipped to AK.
Price: $16.50

Pest Control Kits - There are certain combinations of pest control supplies (including concentrated insecticides, spray equipment, dust equipment, insecticide dusts, aerosols, ant baits, etc.) that are available in money-saving kits.

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Soluble Powders Emulsifiable Concentrates Microencapsulated Concentrates

Wettable Powders

Demon EC, Cynoff EC, Permethrin Pro, Catalyst, Gentrol, Tempo SC, Tempo WP

Demand CS, Permethrin, Suspend SC

insecticide concentrates