Stabilizing Agents

A stabilizing agent is an adjuvant that is often added to herbicides as a sort of thickening substance to enhance the effectiveness of the product where it is applied.

Stabilizing agents act as thickening or gelling agents that increase the viscosity of the final product. These agents stabilize emulsions, either by adsorbing to the outer surface of oil droplets.

The stabilizing agent helps to improve the thickness of a herbicide which enables it to be more likely to stay on its intended target and work its chemistry to kill a stubborn weed which otherwise would drift off of it.

Stabilizing agents are very easy to add to a herbicide. Simply mix a small dosage according to the product label to a diluted mixture of herbicide concentrate and agitate then you can apply to the intended area. Some stabilizing agents are already pre-mixed in herbicide products.

Shop our top recommended stabilizing agents and products below. If you need help selecting the right adjuvant for your herbicide application or would like more information on how to modify a pesticide properly, our experienced pest control specialists will be more than happy to help you.

Our Recommendation

Alligare 90 Wetting Agent - Alligare 90 Wetting Agent is a non-ionic low-foam surfactant that also functions as a stabilizing agent. It is used to enhance various types of pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. When applied, it helps the active products spread evenly and remain on surface areas for maximum results.

User Guide

Tools Needed

• Selected Pesticide Concentrate
• Tank Sprayer
• Buffering Agent Product

PPE

• Chemical Resistant Gloves
• Dust / Mist Mask
• Safety Glasses

Step 1: Mix Pesticide Product with Water In Sprayer

Follow the directions carefully on the label for proper mixing instructions and application rates in order to properly dilute the product. This is best done by filling the sprayer halfway with water and then adding in the appropriate amount of Pesticide and then filling the sprayer with the remaining half of water and agitating well. 

Step 2: Mix the Stabilizing agent with the diluted Pesticide concentrate.

Again, paying attention to the label is key. Add the right amount of water to the mixture and agitate in the spraying tank until it is well mixed. For Alligare 90, the recommended rate is between 0.5 pints to 2 quarts per 100 gallons of finished solutions. For general turf applications, we recommend 2 pints per 100 gallons or 0.33 ounces per finished gallon. Add the Alligare 90 after you have adequately mixed the pesticide with water.

Step 3: Apply the Mixture To Target Area

With your PPE on, begin applying the spray mixture to the target area, preferably on a fan nozzle setting. Test it out at first to see if the product has thickened. If it hasn’t you may have to add another small amount of the buffering agent.

Key Takeaways

• Stabilizing agents are a resourceful adjuvant which when mixed with a powerful insecticide changes its properties and enhances their performance
• Adding a stabilizing agent to a pesticide mixture requires a selected pesticide active ingredient, a stabilizing agent product like the one we mentioned and a tank sprayer
• Our top recommended stabilizing agent is Aligare 90 Wetting Agent.
• The stabilizing agents we carry give you the most value for the price. You won’t find them at big box stores as it is a specialty item.