Diflubenzuron

When it comes to pest issues like moths, boll weevils, and caterpillars, the larvae are more damaging than the adults. That is why the active ingredient Diflubenzuron is so sought after by pest control professionals. It kills such pests and also acts as an insect growth regulator to address destructive larvae.

On this page, we will share some background information on Diflubenzuron, a popular dual-action active ingredient. We will cover its origin and why it is so effective. Here, you can also shop the top-recommended insecticide we have in stock that contains Diflubenzuron.

What is Diflubenzuron?

Diflubenzuron is an insecticide and miticide designed to control the plant-damaging larvae of insects that feast upon plants on commercial, residential, and agricultural sites. Diflubenzuron is primarily used as an insect growth regulator for gypsy moths, mosquito larvae, and rust mites, among others. Diflubenzuron was first registered as a pesticide in the U.S. in 1976.

In agricultural settings, Diflubenzuron is used to protect livestock, crops, ornamentals, and shrubbery and hinder the development of mosquito larvae and gypsy moth populations. Diflubenzuron comes in several different formulations, such as liquid concentrates, wettable powders, and granular forms. 

How Does Diflubenzuron Work?

Diflubenzuron works by causing a premature birth, which means the larvae will not be able to survive. The active ingredient does this by interfering with the normal synthesis of insect exoskeletons during the molting process at the time of egg hatching.

By inhibiting the production of chitin, which insects use to develop their exoskeleton, Diflubenzuron triggers insect larvae to molt early without a properly formed exoskeleton, which eventually results in their death. 

Benefits of Diflubenzuron

Diflubenzuron is an effective insect growth regulator. It is primarily active through ingestion, making it less toxic to non-intended insect targets.

Drawbacks of Diflubenzuron

Diflubenzuron is a slow-acting chemical, so you may not see results immediately, so you must be patient. Also, since it is an IGR, it will not harm or kill adult insect pests. Some target pests can develop resistance to the active ingredient, and thus, you may have to rotate the product with other insecticides that have a different mode of action.

Is Diflubenzuron Safe?

Diflubenzuron is safe to use when applied according to the label directions. When handling products containing Diflubenzuron, make sure to wear the proper PPE, such as gloves and protective clothing, when spraying the products. Please read the label carefully and adhere to the safety measures when applying the product.

What To Expect

Diflubenzuron is a slow-acting IGR that can take up to 14 days to produce results and significantly deplete the target insect population. While it does not kill adult insects, it sterilizes some female species.

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Another product similar to Diflubenzuron is Pivot 10 IGR. This is an IGR liquid concentrate that can be applied to control a wide range of insect pests, hindering the development of eggs and larvae.