Pesticide Formulations Advantages and Disadvantages

*READ THIS* The answers are just my interpretation and summary of the hosts of advantages and disadvantages. Be sure to read the "National Pesticide Applicator Core Manual" book for the actual advantages and disadvantages.

Emulsified Concentration (EC) Advantages

Easy to use, non-abrasive, and Leaves little residue

Emulsified Concentrations (EC) Disadvantages

Highly concentrated, Easily absorbed, Strong odor, Difficult to clean, Flammable, and Corrosive

Ready to Use (RTU) Advantages

Easy to use and Less exposure risk

Ready to Use (RTU) Disadvantages

Costly and limited availability

Concentrates (C/LC/WSC/WSL) Advantages

Easy to use, non-abrasive, no agitation, and Leaves little visible residue

Concentrates (C/LC/WSC/WSL) Disadvantages

Limited availability, difficult to clean, and easily absorbed

Liquid Baits (B) Advantages

Effective control of sugar ants

Liquid Baits (B) Disadvantages

Requires refills and not all invertebrates will feed

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Advantages

Easy to use, Non-abrasive, Leaves little residue

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Disadvantages

High drift, Special equipment required, easily absorbed, difficult to clean, and difficult to calibrate equipment

Flowables (F/AF) Advantages

Easy to use, non-phytotoxic, and less splash

Flowables (F/AF) Disadvantages

Containers hard to clean, Requires moderate agitation, abrasive, and leaves residue

Aerosols (A) Advantages

Easy to use + store and retains potency

Aerosols (A) Disadvantages

Limited practicality, high drift, not precise

Dusts (D) Advantages

Easy to use and effective in hard to reach areas

Dusts (D) Disadvantages

not precise, inhalation risk, difficult to evenly distribute, and difficult to calibrate equipment

Granules (G) Advantages

Easy to use, low drift, simple equipment, and slow breakdown

Granules (G) Disadvantages

Frequent calibration, Difficult to evenly distribute, Does not stick, Bulky, potentially non-specific, and may require moisture

Wettable Powders (WP/W) Advantages

Easy to use, non phytotoxic, and less harm to surface

Wettable Powders (WP/W) Disadvantages

Not easy to measure, inhalation risk, requires constant agitation, leaves visible residue

Solid Baits (B) Advantages

Easy to use and controls pest “highways”

Solid Baits (B) Disadvantages

Attracts children, pets, and wildlife; May be ineffective with other food; and dead pests

Microencapsulated Pellets (M) Advantages

Easy to use, timed release/prolonged fx, reduced odor/volatility, reduced phytotoxicity, and less environmental damage

Microencapsulated Pellets (M) Disadvantages

Requires constant agitation, risk of killing pollinators, and timed release/prolonged fx

Water Soluble Packaging (WSP/WSB) Advantages

Easy to use and less exposure risk

Water Soluble Packaging (WSP/WSB) Disadvantages

Package may be incorrect volume and must keep dry