Microencapsulated Pesticides (CS)

Microencapsulated pesticide formulations have been rapidly increasing in popularity over the years and for good reason. Pest control professionals love the excellent knockdown microencapsulated products deliver to pests. Not only are these insecticides effective, but they are also safer for the environment compared to older chemicals designed for pest control. 

At Solutions Pest & Lawn we carry a wide selection of professional-grade insecticides that are microencapsulated. On this page, we will briefly fill you in about what microencapsulated insecticides are, why they are so beneficial and how to properly apply them for successful pest control around your home.

What is a Microencapsulated Insecticide? 

Microencapsulated pesticides are insecticides where the pesticide active ingredient (whether dry or liquid) is covered (or encapsulated) by a protective coating (polymer). The coatings may be plastic, starch, or some other type of material. Microencapsulated pesticides are mixed with water and applied as a spray just like any other sprayable pesticide formulation. 

After spraying, the plastic coating of the microencapsulated pesticide breaks down and releases the active ingredient contained inside the capsule. In some situations, the encapsulation process can provide a “timed” slow release of the active ingredient.

Depending on the physical makeup of the coating, the release of the pesticide active ingredient may depend upon the weather of the environment. If the release is slower than usual (for reasons such as dry or cool weather), residues may remain on treated plants or surfaces longer than expected.

Other factors which can be altered depending on the chemistry of the polymer or changing factors in the processing is the residual effect of the insecticide, the speed of action, odor as well as safety of the product. 

The microcapsules are suspended in the liquid base of the formulation so that the final formulation is a flowable suspension. The formulation is then mixed with water and requires regular agitation to prevent the capsule from settling out.

Conditions for Using Microencapsulated Pesticides

Microencapsulated pesticide formulations are great for both general indoor and outdoor pest control because of their long residual effect and quick knockdown of a number of different pests.

Microencapsulated insecticides can be used to treat pests in agricultural, ornamental and turf, forestry, structural (residential and commercial) food processing, livestock and public health settings. They are also versatile in the kinds of equipment they can be applied in--from small, portable sprayers to hydraulic sprayers, low-volume ground sprayers, mist blowers, and low-volume aircraft sprayers.

There are several reasons you may choose a liquid insecticide which is microencapsulated. We recommend using them for general pest control for insects found around your household. One particular use of applying microencapsulated insecticides is when setting up a pesticide barrier around the perimeter of your home or building.

Some microencapsulated pesticide products contain highly toxic materials with a coating to increase handler safety. Others are microencapsulated for different reasons; for example, to reduce staining or odor or to protect the active ingredient from photodegradation.

Benefits of Using Microencapsulated Pesticides

Microencapsulated pesticides have a number of benefits that give them the advantage over conventional methods of liquid pesticide applications. For one, highly toxic chemicals can be mixed and handled safely because the plastic polymers coatings help protect the applicator from the pesticide exposure.

Much like wettable powders, microencapsulated insecticides perform well on both porous and nonporous surfaces because insects readily “pick up” capsules from treated surfaces, for instance, adhering to the spines of an insect's leg, hence enhancing control of the insect.

The delayed release of active ingredient prolongs effectiveness, resulting in fewer and less precisely timed applications.

Other benefits include: Reduced volatility, making it so less is lost from the application site, allowing for greater effectiveness. Also, reduced odor and less of a likelihood to stain or otherwise damage treated surfaces. Microencapsulated products also often reduce injury to plants due to phytotoxicity.

Microencapsulated Pesticide Drawbacks

A few disadvantages that come with using microencapsulated insecticides include it being necessary for the formulation to be constantly agitated in the spray tank (depending on the properties of the coating).

Micrencapsulated pesticides also have the potential of leaving a visible residue where applied. They can also clog sprayer screens and nozzle tips.

It is possible for microencapsulated pesticides to be haszardous to bees. If the microcap particle does not break down quickly, a bee may mistakenly take it back to the hive. There, the pesticide may release and poison the colony. Some soil-applied microencapsulated products may leach into the soil and surrounding ground water.

Our Recommendations

Cyzmic CS - Cyzmic CS (comparable to Demand CS) is an odorless micro-encapsulated insecticide with lambda-cyhalothrin that controls many pests around homes and buildings including crazy ants, and mosquitoes. Cyzmic CS uses "cap-vantage" technology to make this insecticide safer to mix and apply. It is sometimes spelled Cysmic CS Insecticide.

Optimate CS - Optimate CS is a microcap insecticide with the active ingredient Gamma-Cyhalothrin, a powerful insect killing chemical. Optimate CS has a broad label and can be used in various locations to treat a wide range of pests. It's time-controlled formula gives this a long residual.

Tools Needed

To use Microencapsulated insecticides, you will need to dilute and mix the product in a handpump sprayer. It is also wise to put on the necessary PPE before mixing and applying (gloves, protective eyewear and a safety mask).

User Guide

Step 1: Check the Label

Read the label on the microencapsulated pesticide to determine the proper usage and rates. This will also give you helpful safety information and application tips that could be useful during the application process.

Step 2: Mix the Product

Determine how much product you will need by first calculating the square footage of the area to be treated. To do this, you will need to measure and multiply length times width of the area (length x width = square footage). The label will tell you the rate of product to use per 1,000 sq. ft.

Add the required amount of CS concentrate to a hand pump sprayer that has been filled with a half-gallon of water. Agitate the sprayer and then add the remaining half-gallon of water and agitate again to ensure the products property mixed.

Step 3: Apply To Target Area

For indoor applications, spray the solution in cracks and crevices, on door frames, window frames, baseboards, around pipes, and under cabinets and appliances. For outdoor applications spray the solution 3 feet up the side of the structure and 3 feet out onto the ground to create a barrier for crawling pests.

Key Takeaways

• Microencapsulated pesticides is a formulation where the active ingredient is covered by a protective coating. They are popular for their long-time residual effect and quick knockdown.
• The long residual makes microcap products a solid choice when setting up a pesticide barrier around the perimeter of your home or building.
• Depending on the properties of the microcap coating, it may be necessary to constantly agitate the solution in the spray tank while applying.