Can I Add Extra Pesticide To Make My Mix Stronger?

When pests are invading your property, you want to move quickly to eliminate the problem. Pesticides labeled specifically for your target pest may be the answer but some DIY novices that are eager to kill pests quickly think that if they add more than the suggested rate or even double up the dosage when mixing their pesticide that they will receive double the killing power.

On this page, we will discuss whether adding extra pesticides to a mixture makes a difference in killing a problem pest and whether it's a good idea to go over the listed dosage to begin with.

How Pesticides Work

Pesticides do not work by strength or overconcentration, they work via the mode of action of the pesticide chemical being used. Unless you have a deep understanding of insect biology and chemistry, you can't get real control of pests just by adding more than what the label states. This is why you need to read the label of your selected pesticide properly and mix and apply it as the instructions state.

Does More Pesticide Make the Mixture Better?

Contrary to what some may think, twice the dosage will not perform twice the job. In fact, it could hurt your chances of killing your target pest because the mixture being overconcentrated will be off-putting by pests who will simply avoid the areas you have sprayed with the pesticide.

Another problem from going over the label dosage is potentially harming people or the environment from the overconcentration of pesticide chemicals. For example, if you were spraying outdoor pests on your lawn and ornamentals, going over the recommended dosage may potentially damage your turfgrass and plants or any beneficial insects that you may have present in your yard.

There are some cases however where the label will give a range of possible mix rates rather than one singular figure. For example, a label for a broad-spectrum pesticide like Supreme IT may state hypothetically to use 0.5 to 2.0 fl. oz. to treat for ants. The label then may state to use the higher rate for a heavy infestation and the lower rate for maintenance and prevention. These are exceptions where the label will explicitly state when it is okay.

In conclusion, please do not overmix your selected pesticide. It will not make your pesticides stronger. Follow the label carefully, not just to ensure the application will be effective against your target pest, but also for the safety of people and the environment.