Foam Retardant

A foam retardant (also known as anti-foam or defoaming agents) is a chemical additive that reduces and hinders the formation of foam in liquid pesticides.

Generally, a foaming retardant contains properties that cause rupture of the air bubbles and breakdown of surface foam, hindering the presence of visible foam in a spray application.

Foam retardants are a helpful item for pest control applicators and are used as an adjuvant for pesticides that may be too foamy. This additive contributes to higher quality end products, improved process efficiency and is safe for the environment.

A foaming retardant is very simple to apply. All that is required to put a stop to foaming capabilities is adding the foaming retardant to a diluted liquid insecticide mixture and then apply to the target area.

Shop our top recommended foam retardant below. If you need help selecting the right foaming agent or instrument or would like more information on how to defoam a pesticide properly, our experienced pest control specialists will be more than happy to help you.

Our Recommendation

Our experts recommend Alligare De-Foamer Spray Adjuvant.

Alligare De-Foamer is a non-ionic defoaming agent and spread activator to be used with agricultural insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. This anti-foamer breaks down the waxy cuticle on the leaf surface to greatly improve the adhesion between the plant and pesticide.

Alligare De-Foamer is designed for use with pest control tank mixes wherever foaming is expected or occurring. Alligare De-Foamer uses a highly efficient silicone oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion to deliver superior knockdown in a small amount of defoamer or to suppress foam before it starts.

User Guide

Step 1: Add De-Foamer to Pesticide Solution

Because it is an antifoam, Alligare De-Foamer will need to be added to a spray tank that is holding already mixed pesticide and water. The general use rate of Alligare Defoamer is 1/2 to 1 oz. per 100 gallons of spray solution. Squirt directly into the spray tank.

Step 2: Apply your Solution

Apply your pesticide solution mix as you normally would. Foaming for water-based or urea solutions can be difficult to control so you may need to add more De-Foamer to the solution to minimize the foaming to the desired level.

Key Takeaways

• Foam retardants are a resourceful adjuvant which when mixed with a powerful insecticide active ingredient can reduce the possibility of foaming, increasing its effectiveness.
• Defoaming a pesticide requires a selected pesticide active ingredient, a defoaming agent like De-Foamer Spray Adjuvant and a Tank sprayer.
• Make sure to check the label for specific instructions in regards to rates and mixing.
• The foaming retardant we carry gives you the most value for the price. You won’t find them at big box stores as it is a specialty item.