Insecticide Dusts: Uses, Descriptions of Different Dust Insecticides

An insecticide dust is a dry formulation of a contact insecticide. Dusts are used in different areas such as gardens, wall voids and other areas where certain bugs are pests. Dust formulated insecticides are injected into cracks and crevices with a Crusader Duster or broadcast in attics, gardens, crawl spaces with a Dustin Mizer crank duster.

Always choose the correct dust for the pest control job at hand. Improper use of a dust can be unsafe and can also fail to control the targeted pest or bug.
An insecticide dust is not to be confused with a wettable powder or granule. Wettable powders are insecticide concentrates formulated to be mixed with water, creating insecticide solutions that can be sprayed in homes, lawns or gardens. These products are easily recognized by the "W" or "WP" in their brand names. Examples of wettable powders are Demon WP, Tempo WP and Cynoff WP. (Insecticide concentrates that dissolve in water, such as Orthene or Acephate, are called soluble, not wettable.)
Granules are dry insecticides that are generally broadcast on lawns or in gardens and are then watered in to release the active ingredient into the soil. Examples of granulated insecticides: Talstar PL, DeltaGard G, Diazinon G. Another granulated insecticide that is often called a dust is Flea Stoppers. This is a borate material that looks like a dust but is safe to use in carpets to kill flea eggs and flea larvae for 12 months per application.

Many people use insecticide dusts improperly. The most common mistake is using a dust in open areas such as cabinets and along baseboards. Not only is this unsafe and not approved in label instructions but this type of application rarely works. Most roaches and other pests will simply walk around small piles of dust, making it ineffective. A dust should be applied to cracks, crevices, entry points and hiding places. Wall voids and areas beneath false bottoms of cabinets are good places to apply a dust. These are the areas where bugs hide and they are out of reach of pets and children.
Using a hand bellows type duster will greatly improve your results. By "puffing" thin clouds of insecticide dusts into cracks, crevices and voids, you create small clouds of product that tend to cling to interior surfaces. This surfaces will now contain small amounts of insecticide that bugs cannot avoid as they crawl through the area, giving you a better kill or knock-down of your targeted pest. The best hand bellows duster for this type of work is the Crusader Duster.

Insecticide Dusts Used in Pest Control

Permethrin Dust is often used in pet kennels, vegetable and flower gardens and is an excellent alternative to using Sevin Dust. Permethrin Dust is safer than other dusts, when using on pets or in vegetable gardens.

Drione Dust has been a favorite with pest professionals for many years. This insecticide contains Silica Gel and natural pyrethrins and is used for many different pests, including ticks, spiders, roaches and ants.

Delta Dust is another favorite with pest control operators. This insecticide dust contains Deltamethrin (an active ingredient also found in Suspend SC insecticide concentrate,) a very safe synthetic pyrethroid. Besides giving excellent control of many different pests, Delta Dust is also water proof. This unique property makes Delta Dust the preferred insecticide dust to use in damp areas where many pests such as ants and carpenter ants are often found.

For those who want more natural type products, Eco PCO D is the best insecticide dust. Eco PCO products are made from natural tree oils. This dust can also be applied with a Crusader Duster.

Dipel Dust is used by organic gardeners. This product is excellent for controlling worms or caterpillars that feed on plant leaves.

Always choose the correct insecticide dust for the job. When used correctly, an insecticide dust will give you good control of many different insect pests without harming people or pets. They are also a good, odorless crack and crevice tool that enhance pest control sprays.