Pesticide Granules

When it comes to treating pests outdoors and around your yard, insecticide granules are among the best formulations. Insecticide granules are essentially the contents of an insecticide liquid in dry granular form. They work well on ants, chinchbugs, and other common lawn pests.

This page will inform you about granular insecticides, how the granules are formulated, and how to apply granules around your home to treat pests properly. You can also browse the best insecticide granule formulations we carry at Solutions Pest & Lawn.

What is a Pesticide Granule?

A pesticide granule is a formulation where, rather than being in liquid form and needing to be sprayed, the pesticide is impregnated in organic material such as sand, ground-up clay, corn cob, walnut shells, or some other dry, solid substance, which then can be bagged and spread around a yard. 

Pesticide granule formulations are similar to dust formations, with the difference being the granular particles are heavier and more prominent. The active ingredient in an insecticide granule is either coated around the outside of the granule or absorbed. The amount of active ingredient is usually meager, ranging from .01 to 2% by weight.

Insecticide granules contain newer chemicals that are much safer for people, pets, and the environment than older chemicals.

Every time the granules are wet, they release a portion of the pesticide they contain, allowing for an extended release and a more prolonged residual effect.

Conditions for Using Pesticide Granules

Granules are most often used to apply chemicals to the soil to control weeds, nematodes, and invading insect pests living in the soil or for absorption into plants through the roots.

Once applied, granules release the active ingredient slowly. Some types of granules require moist soil or wetting the product to release the active ingredient.

Granular insecticides also are used to control mosquito larvae and other aquatic pests. Insecticide Granules are used in agricultural, turf, aquatic, right-of-way, and public health operations.

The most effective way to apply granular pesticides to your yard is to use a seeder, lawn spreader, or hand-held spreader. Once the granules have been spread over the intended area, water should be applied to obtain the best results.

Benefits of Using Pesticide Granules

Pesticide granules offer several advantages over other formulations. First, they’re ready-to-use, with no mixing required. The potential for the product to drift and become a health hazard is low, as the products tend to settle where they have been spread very quickly.

There is also little hazard when utilizing an applicator (such as a granule spreader). You don’t have to worry about spraying in your face or inhaling dust because the granule particles are larger and less likely to be ingested or get in your eyes when spreading them around.

The weight of the granule carries the formulation through the foliage to a soil or water target. When applying insecticide granules, no complicated products are necessary; all you would need is either a seeder or fertilizer spreader. Because of a slow-release coating, the product also breaks down more slowly than wettable powders or emulsifiable concentrates.

Pesticide Granule Drawbacks

Pesticide granules have a few disadvantages in some scenarios. Granules also do not stick to foliage or uneven surfaces. On some lawns, granules may need to be incorporated into the soil. Some versions of insecticide granules also require moisture to activate the insecticide.

Insecticide granules may be hazardous to non-target species such as waterfowl or other birds, which mistakenly feed on them, thinking them to be seeds. They may also not be effective under very dry or drought conditions because the active ingredient will not release enough moisture to control the target pest.

Our Recommendations

Valar Plus Bifenthrin Granules - Valar Plus Bifenthrin Granules are a cheaper alternative to Talstar granules. Made by Solutions Pest and Lawn, these insecticide granules will provide up to 90 days of insect control in your yard. Valar Plus Bifenthrin Granules will kill fleas, ticks, ants, and other pests. 

Tools Needed

Gather the necessary materials to apply the insecticide granules, including a granule spreader, safety gloves, and pesticides.

User Guide

Step 1: Check the Label

Read the label on the granule packaging to determine the proper usage and calculate the amount needed to ensure adequate control.

You can calculate the size of the treatment area by measuring its length and width (in feet) and multiplying the two values (length x width = square footage). Then, load your spreader with the correct amount of granules according to your treatment area.

Step 2: Apply Granules

Apply the granules as a broadcast application across the desired treatment area. Overlap your pattern by 1-2 feet to ensure even coverage. Use a similar pattern to mowing your lawn. If the label requires, water the lawn down after applying the granules so that the insecticide soaks into the soil for maximum impact and to activate the active ingredient.

Key Takeaways

• Pesticide granules are a formulation in which the pesticide is impregnated in an organic material such as sand, clay, or some other dried substance that can be spread.
• Most granules are activated once they become wet and are known to have a long residual effect where applied. They are great for controlling weeds, mosquitoes, nematodes, and other invading turf pests.
• When applying pesticide granules, it's best to use a broadcast or hand spreader to ensure even coverage.