Ready To Use (RTU) Pesticides

Perhaps the most convenient and diverse type of pesticide formulation are those which come ready-to-use.

Ready-to-use pesticides, also known as RTU or ready-to-spray RTS pesticides, are specially made for residential homeowners and pest control novices that just want a quick, easy, and hassle-free solution to their pest problems without mixing any pesticide themselves.

Solutions Pest & Lawn is your home for a wide selection of professional quality ready-to-use insecticide, fungicide, and herbicide products that work effectively to eliminate whatever problem you have in your home or yard.

On this page, you will learn about ready-to-use products, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to properly apply ready-to-use products around your home to treat for pests. You can also shop the best ready-to-use products we house in our inventory

What Is A Ready-To-Use Pesticide?

Ready-to-use (abbreviated as RTUs) pesticide formulations are just like their label states, they are ready to use right out of the packaging. A liquid RTU is sometimes referred to as an RTS, which stands for Ready-to-Spray.

RTU products are also known as “low-concentrate solutions” because they require no further dilution before application. The product contains a pesticide active ingredient that is pre-diluted with deionized water or other solvents so all you have to do is apply according to the label directions. 

RTUs consist of a small amount of active ingredient (often 1% or less per unit volume). Some ready-to-use products contain petroleum-based solvents; others are water-based. While most ready-to-use products are made for the convenience of the homeowner who is a novice when it comes to pest control, there are also RTU products which are produced for pest management professionals (who treat structural and institutional pests).

A variety of different pest control products can come ready to use, from aerosols, dusts and liquid barrier treatment sprays (often advertised as “home defense” sprays).

Conditions for Using RTU

Ready-to-use insecticides are best for those that want a quick convenient method of pest control. Not everyone wants to get overly technical about a pest problem they have and not everyone has the time for mixing products and using the equipment the professionals use. Because measuring and mixing chemicals can get complicated, ready-to-use products are best for those people that want a DIY solution that is easy and hassle-free. They are also useful for those that only have a small treatment area to apply the product on.

Some examples of conditions where ready-to-use products would be ideal are aerosol sprays being used to kill bed bugs on a bed or couch, using ready-to-use baits for cockroaches and ants and simply applying the bait in areas where these insects are likely to feed.

There are also broad-spectrum ready to use insecticides that can be used to repel unwanted bugs from coming into the home or hanging around your garden.

There’s no need to get too complicated with ready-to-use products. All you have to do is follow the label for the proper application and then apply, it’s as simple as that.

Benefits of Ready-To-Use Products

The biggest benefit of RTU products is convenience. RTU products require no mixing or measuring of products. The active ingredient is already diluted and simply needs to be applied. They are also convenient for homeowners and managers of businesses because they can address a wide variety of common pest control issues.

Most ready-to-use products are either package in or come with the proper application device so there's also no need for any pest control equipment, the RTU product is also a piece of equipment (sprayer, dust applicator, aerosol can with an applicator tip for cracks and crevices, etc.)

Ready-to-use products are also usually much safer to use with less risk of exposure due to the applicator not having to mix up concentrated product., thus there is reduced potential for exposure.

Ready-To-Use Drawbacks

Some disadvantages of RTU products mostly have to do with the fact that they are low-concentrate. There is less active ingredient in the product and it is more watered down and thus they may not always be the most effective product of choice when eliminating a pest problem, especially one that is firmly established and the infestation is heavy or in need of stronger chemicals to knock out the population.

RTU products also have limited availability and a high cost per unit of active ingredient. An RTU product may be cheaper at first glance, but over time may be more expensive if you simply stick to RTU products. You would have to continuously repurchase products to deal with a heavy infestation when it would make more sense to get a professional insecticide concentrate.

RTU pesticides are also not good for large applications since they are packaged in small single-use application bottles. Many RTU products can be harmful to foliage so they cannot be used as plant sprays.

Our Recommendations

There are ready-to-use products for nearly every type of pest control or lawn care issue. But some are more effective than others. Below are some of what our experts have compiled as the best RTU products for various pest issues.

Cyonara Lawn and Garden RTU - Cyonara contains Lambda-Cyhalothrin. It is a low odor water-based concentrate that is used for roaches, ants, fleas, and many other pests. Labeled for use in and around structures, lawns, and ornamentals, Cyonara Lawn and Garden has a long-lasting residual that continues working for months and is safe to apply on your lawn and garden plants.

Viper RTU Bed Bug Insecticide - Viper RTU contains Permethrin and is safe for use on dogs, livestock, and poultry. Viper RTU has a country fresh scent and provides a 60-day control of fleas, cockroaches, bed bugs, and stored product pests.

Tools Needed

For RTU products, most of the time you will not need anything to apply the product as it may come with its own applicator but it totally depends on the product. For some you will need an active water hose. No matter what you use, make sure to have on the proper PPE for safety.

User Guide

Step 1: Check the Label

Take the RTU product out of its packaging and follow the instruction and safety label closely to get directions on how to properly apply the product.

Step 2: Apply RTU Product

Apply the product according to the directions.

Key Takeaways

• Ready-To-Use pesticides are pest control or lawn care products that come pre-mixed and are ready to use right out of its packaging, making it convenient for those who want to immediately get started with application.
• 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.