Pesticide Granules

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

On this page, we will inform you about granular insecticides, how the granules are formulated, and how to properly apply granules around your home to treat for pests. 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 larger in size. 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 very low, ranging from .01 to 2% by weight.

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

Every time the granules are made wet, they release a portion of the pesticide they contain inside which allows for an extended release and a longer 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 that are 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 the soil to be moist or for the product to be made wet to release the active ingredient contained within.

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 out over the intended area, water should be applied in order to obtain the best results.

Benefits of Using Pesticide Granules

Pesticide granules bring a number of benefits that give the formulation an advantage over others. First of all, it’s ready-to-use with no mixing required. The potential of the product drifting where it shouldn’t and becoming a health hazard is low. The products tend to settle where they have been spread very quickly.

When utilizing an applicator (such as a granule spreader) there is also little hazard. You don’t have to worry about spray in your face or inhaling dust because the granule particles are larger and are 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. There are no complicated products that are necessary to use when applying insecticide granules as all you would need is either a seeder or fertilizer spreader. The product also breaks down more slowly than wettable powders or emulsifiable concentrates because of a slow-release coating.

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 who will mistakenly feed on the granules, thinking them to be seeds. Insecticide granules may not be effective under very dry or drought conditions because the active ingredient will not have the moisture to release in a sufficient quantity 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 many other pests. 

Tools Needed

Gather the necessary materials to apply the insecticide granules. This includes.a granule spreader, safety gloves and the pesticide.

User Guide

Step 1: Check the Label

Read the label on the granule packaging to determine the proper usage and calculate the amount you need to use to ensure adequate control. You can calculate the size of the treatment area by measuring the length and width (in feet) then multiplying the two values (length x width = square footage). 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 that you would when mowing your lawn. If the label requires, water 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 where 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 that 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.
• It's best to use a broadcast or hand spreader when applying pesticide granules to ensure you get even coverage in an area.