TriStar 8.5 SL Insecticide

TriStar 8.5 SL Insecticide, manufactured by Clearly, is a fast-acting, odorless, water-based insecticide that offers powerful contact, systemic, and translaminar control of a wide range of ornamental pests. It provides quick knockdown within minutes and long-lasting residual protection for up to 6 weeks, making it an ideal choice for professionals looking for effective, low-risk pest management in pollinator-sensitive areas.

This triple-action insecticide is specially formulated with acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid that disrupts the nervous system of insects, ultimately killing them while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and pollinators. It provides up to 4 weeks of residual activity on bedding plants and 4 to 6 weeks on woody ornamentals and trees, depending on the plant type. Fewer applications mean more time for other gardening tasks and fewer product refills means less hassle.

TriStar 8.5 SL Insecticide is an impressive systemic, contact, and translaminar insecticide concentrate that combines quick action, longer residual protection, and pollinator safety in various ornamentals, vegetable transplants, and greenhouse grown crops. Thanks to its systemic and translaminar movement, the insecticide spreads within the plant tissue, delivering extended protection to both existing and new growth.

Tools Needed

A handcan, backpack sprayer, handheld pump sprayer, spray rig, chemigation system, or aircraft equipment will be needed. 

How to Use

• Step 1: Determine how much TriStar 8.5 SL Insecticide to use by measuring the square footage of the treatment area. Find the square footage by measuring the treatment area's length and width in feet, then multiplying them together (length X width = square footage). For acreage, take the square footage and divide it by one acre (square footage / 43,560 sq. ft. = acres). Depending on the pest, apply 4.0 to 25.3 oz. of TriStar 8.5 SL Insecticide per 100 gallons of water for ornamental and flowering plants. Refer to the product label for specific application rates and restrictions. 
• Step 2: Fill the spray tank with half the amount of water, add the proper amount of product, and add in the remaining half of the water. Close the tank lid and shake until the solution is well-mixed. 
• Step 3: Apply as a full coverage foliar spray, including the top and bottom of the leaves until wet. For optimum control, allow at least 6 hours before overhead irrigation of foliage.

Where to Use

TriStar 8.5 SL Insecticide can be used on ornamental plants, deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and vines, annual and perennial flowering plants, greenhouse-grown tomatoes, and peppers, and listed vegetable transplants (leafy vegetables, fruiting vegetables, Brassica vegetables, cucurbit vegetables, bulb vegetables, and succulent legumes) grown outdoors or in greenhouses, shadehouses, hoophouses, or lathhouses before crop is transplanted.

Also for ornamentals and flowering plants (grown outdoors and in greenhouses, shadehouses, hoophouses or lathhouses), bedding plants, flowers grown for cuttings, foliage plants, potted flowering plants, ornamental trees and seedlings, conifer seedlings, non-bearing fruit and nut trees and the following non-bearing propagated crops: strawberries, low growing berries, blueberries and other bush and cane berries.

Do not apply to bearing fruit and nut trees.

When to Use

Apply at the first signs of pest presence. Use it proactively in pest-prone environments or during peak insect seasons (spring through early fall) to protect new growth before pests establish.

Safety Information

TriStar 8.5 SL Insecticide is safe for people and pets when applied according to the product label instructions. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when mixing and applying this product. 

Keep children and pets off treated areas until dry.

Special Considerations

When mixing with a surfactant treat a small area first to make sure the surfactant does not cause phytotoxicity.