Abamectin

There are all sorts of pests out there that you may deal with on a property, so it helps to have an insecticide that is not only effective but can successfully address a wide range of insects. One such product is Abamectin.

Abamectin is a key active ingredient in several special insecticide products to treat cockroaches and ants. It is also popularly used in miticides and nematicides. Solutions Pest & Lawn is proud to carry products containing this powerful active ingredient, such as Abamectin .15EC Miticide. Learn more about this chemical and why it works so effectively to kill many different common pests.

What is Abamectin?

Abamectin comes from the chemical class avermectins, also known as nerve poisons. Avermectins are derived from the soil microorganism Streptomyces avermitilis. These compounds are produced naturally in the soil as an actinomycete fungus. In the late 1970s, scientists Merck & Co. first isolated it from soil samples collected in Japan. Of the four separate mixtures of avermectin, abamectin came from abamectin.

Abamectin is active at low rates against a broad range of agricultural, horticultural, and household insects and mites. It is low in toxicity to mammals and breaks down within 24 hours when exposed to light on unprotected surfaces.

How Does Abamectin Work?

Mode of Action

Abamectin affects insects' nerves by activating the chloride ion conductance mediated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In less scientific terms, the Abamectin paralyzes pests by interrupting the nervous system of targeted insects. This causes the insects to stop feeding, eventually starving themselves to death. Abamectin is slow-acting, allowing pests to return the active ingredient to their colony. Conversely, cockroaches do not take the pesticide back, but the poison is transferred via roach droppings.

Benefits of Abamectin

Abamectin has been shown to kill target insects within 3 to 4 days of contact and achieve a domino effect in killing an entire colony or infestation by spreading the poison through contact or food sharing with the other insects in the population.

Abamectin is very effective as a miticide because of its residual effect. Repeated applications to plants damaged by mites may not be necessary because the product creates a protective barrier that will continue to be effective long after application.

Drawbacks of Abamectin

Abamectin is not an instant-kill pesticide. It can take 2 to 4 days for a target pest to succumb to the effects of the active ingredient, so those looking for a fast resolution may think the product is not working after applying it. Patience is a must, as Abmectin is effective, but it takes some time to see results. 

Avoid using Abamectin when you desire a quicker way to kill an insect infestation.

Is Abamectin Safe?

Abamectin is safe to use when applied according to label directions. The EPA has carefully evaluated Abamectin for its impact on people and the environment. While Abamectin can be toxic, most products that contain Abamectin in their formulation have low toxicity, so they will not harm people and different warm-blooded creatures, making them safe to handle. Abamectin is generally non-poisonous to birds; be that as it may, it is exceptionally lethal for bees and sea life such as fish. Be careful when applying to areas where bees are active or near bodies of water.

When applied to plants, an Abamectin pesticide does not contaminate or ruin the crops because crops do not absorb it. It also quickly lessens in effect because of the sun. It is also safe to use around water systems because the chemical does not leach into groundwater and quickly debases when presented to water.

While applying abamectin, it is recommended that you always wear protective masks and avoid coming into contact with it through the skin. Wash hands thoroughly after use and wait for the leaves to dry before entering the area of application.

What To Expect

Abamectin is an effective pesticide because it is a slow-killing formula. This allows pests such as ants and cockroaches to consume the active ingredient and spread it to others in their colonies, resulting in a significant depletion or total elimination of the population.

Featured Products

Abamectin .15EC Miticide—Made by Quali-Pro, Abamectin .15 EC is an effective miticide that delivers long-lasting control of plant-eating insects. It works through contact to keep mites, aphids, thrips, and whiteflies off your plants and ornamentals.