Emulsifiable Concentrates 

One of the most powerful and potent types of pest control formulations you can find are emulsifiable concentrates, also known by their initials EC on pesticide labels. This is a very popular formulation that is often used by professionals when hired to conduct treatments, because these chemicals are known to be very effective and versatile.

They are also easy to use. All you have to do is simply mix a small amount of concentrate to water and, in an instant, you have a large arsenal of product to apply in and around your home to treat for pests.

At Solutions Pest & Lawn, we carry a number of different high-quality emulsifiable concentrates. On this page, we will briefly teach you about emulsifiable concentrates, how they work and their numerous benefits.

What is an Emulsifiable Concentrate?

An emulsifiable concentrate (EC) is a liquid formulation that contains technical material, one or more organic water-immiscible solvents and an emulsifier (such as a surfactant).

Emulsifiable concentrates formulations are still one of the most common formulation types for pest control worldwide. When emulsifiable concentrate formulations are diluted with water in a spray tank they form a spontaneous emulsion, with emulsion droplets in the size range of 0.1 to 1.0μm. When diluted in water, it forms either a milky or opaque emulsion for application.

When sprayed, the diluted emulsion gives a uniform and precise application of active ingredient on the target, which is essential for effective pest control.

Conditions For Using ECs

Emulsifiable concentrates are used to treat pests in agricultural, ornamental and turf, forestry, structural (residential and commercial) food processing, livestock and public health settings.

They are also adaptable to many types of application equipment--from small, portable sprayers to hydraulic sprayers, low-volume ground sprayers, mist blowers, and low-volume aircraft sprayers.

We recommend using them for general pest control for insects found around your household. Emulsifiable concentrates work well for this because they make it easier to create an even barrier of insecticide all the way around your home.

Emulsifiable concentrate are not necessarily limited to just being insecticides. They are also used in formulations for insect growth regulators such as Gentrol. Some of the more popular herbicides, such as RoundUp and others, are also emulsifiable concentrates.

Benefits of Using ECs

Emulsifiable concentrate formulations are simple to manufacture, transport and store. They are not abrasive nor will they clog up screens and nozzles.

Unlike wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates leave no visible residue on treated surfaces and require little agitation because they will not settle out or separate when equipment is being used.

Emulsifiable concentrates are easy to use--simply mix a small amount of the concentrate with water according to the label instructions and you’re set. EC's usually dry quickly and clear and give a great residual effect which may last between 28 to 90 days.

Typically because of their high concentrations of active ingredient, emulsifiable concentrate products are cheaper to use for treatments that require a large amount of spraying.

Drawbacks of Using ECs

Emulsifiable concentrations are high concentrations of solvents and it makes it easy to overdose or underdose through mixing or calibration errors. There is also more of a risk of damaging desirable plants (phytotoxicity).

Emulsifiable concentrate solvents may cause rubber or plastic hoses, gaskets and pump parts to deteriorate. EC’s also are flammable and should be stored in a cool dry area away from open flames.

ECs do not perform well on porous surfaces, such as brick and concrete, and are typically less effective against crawling pests. They are typically absorbed into the material as opposed to staying on the surface meaning pests will not be exposed to the accurate dosage of active ingredient.

The oil in the Emulsifiable concentrates product can stain some surfaces such as vinyl siding or other plastic-based materials. 

Our Recommendations

There are many different pest control and lawn care products we have in stock that are ECs. What you select will depend on your pest problem, the level of infestation and how quickly you'd like to eliminate the issue. Below we have a list of some of our top recommended products.

Flex 10-10 - Flex 10-10 is a multi-use insecticide containing permethrin and PBO. This product will kill and control bed bugs and eliminate any bed bug infestation when applied with our bed bug kit. Flex 10-10 can be applied inside and outside with compressed air sprayers, ULV machines, or automatic mosquito misting machines. It is the best chemical for mosquito misting systems and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Sylo Insecticide - Sylo Insecticide provides excellent control of subterranean termites and drywood termites. It can be applied to both soil and wood to treat termites. Sylo Insecticide is also a great exterior product for other pests such as ants, bees, cockroaches, chinch bugs, mole crickets and much more.

Tools Needed

To apply an emulsifiable concentrate, you will need to dilute the product according to it's label directions in an appropriate sprayer. For a typical household application, a hand-pump sprayer works well. You should also have personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves prior to mixing and spraying ECs products.

User Guide

Emulsifiable concentrates are quite simple to use though it is best to check the label for the proper application. Most of our EC bottles come with two caps and a special straw patented technology to make it easy to measure.

Step 1: Use The Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) For Your Application

Wear chemical resistant gloves and long sleeves anytime you are handling and mixing EC product.

Step 2: Mix the EC into an appropriate sprayer.

Undo the cap and remove the seal. Squeeze the amount of product into the measuring chamber according to the labeled directions. Fill sprayer halfway with water and then pour concentrate in the correct amount into equipment and dilute it with water according to the label instructions. Finish filling with water and then agitate.

Step 3: Apply the EC solution to the target area.

Apply your liquid EC around your home or in your yard to create a barrier. Work your way around the perimeter. Be careful when applying ECs to vegetation as the oil based products can cause foliar burn in hot temperatures.

Key Takeaways

• Emulsifiable concentrate is a concentrated liquid formulation of pesticide that needs to be diluted with water to create a spray solution.
• Emulsifiable concentrates are popular for pest control because they dry clear and often have a long residual effect.
• ECs can be easily absorbed through skin so it is important to have on gloves and long sleeve clothing when spraying.