Dinotefuran

A popular active ingredient used in various professional-grade pesticides is Dinotefuran. Dinotefuran is most notably a staple active ingredient in Alpine insecticide products.

On this page, you can learn more about Dinotefuran, a much safer form of pest control insecticide compared to other more toxic chemicals. It is still effective and provides a quick knockdown of problem pests. You can also shop our top recommended Dinotefuran-based products here.

What Is Dinotefuran?

Dinotefuran is a neonicotinoid insecticide first registered to the EPA in 2004. It can be used to control plant-damaging pests such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leafhoppers, leafminers, sawflies, mole crickets, white grubs, lace bugs, billbugs, beetles, mealybugs, and cockroaches. It is commonly used in agricultural settings but has also expanded to be applied around residential and commercial buildings and structures. 

Dinotefuran comes in various forms, from liquid insecticide concentrates to dusts, foams, and even gel baits.

How Dinotefuran Works

Mode of Action

Dinotefuran is a neonicotinoid, a chemical designed to mimic the effects of nicotine, found commonly in tobacco. It is also systemic, meaning that it is absorbed into the plants it is applied to and moves through the entire plant body down to the root. Dinotefuran's mode of action is achieved by disrupting stimuli transmission within the nervous system of the targeted insect when the insect either ingests or absorbs the active into its body.

Dinotefuran blocks certain neuronal pathways more common in insects than mammals, making the chemical much more toxic to insects than to humans or animals. As a result of this blockage, the insect begins to overproduce acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, resulting in paralysis and, eventually, death.

Benefits of Dinotefuran

Dinotefuran can be used in various agricultural, home, and landscaping settings. The active ingredient is systemic and can eliminate cockroaches, ants, termites, bed bugs, and flying and crawling pests. 

Drawbacks of Dinotefuran

Dinotefuran is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects, so extra care has to be taken to restrict applications to areas where bees do not forage.

Is Dinotefuran Safe?

When applied according to label directions, dinotefuran is safe to use and apply in and around the home. As always, you should wear the proper PPE (gloves, protective eyewear, safety mask) before handling and applying dinotefuran products. 

Keep children and pets away from the treated area until the application product has completely dried, which usually takes half an hour to an hour. Once dried, children and pets can be brought back into the treated area without worry.

What To Expect

Depending on the formulation (spray, dust, etc.), the time it takes to kill the target insect may vary. Reapplications may also need to occur depending on the severity of the infestation. Dinotefuran does not have a long residual effect, so you must check with the label to see the exact interval between applications.

Featured Products

Alpine Dust Insecticide—Alpine Dust Insecticide is a dusting powder containing the active ingredients Dinotefuran and Diatomaceous Earth. It delivers long-lasting, broad-spectrum control of various crawling and flying insects. 

Alpine PT Insecticide Aerosol—Alpine PT Insecticide Aerosol is a reduced-risk, non-repellent aerosol for contact control of crawling and flying insects. It is effective against insecticide-resistant bed bugs and a broad range of other common pests.

Musca-Cide Fly Bait Spray—Musca-Cide is a water-soluble granular fly bait known for its fast-acting, quick knockdown. It is versatile in the ways it can be applied: as a spray, paint, or spot treatment method.