Which Pesticide Sprayer Should I Use?

There are many different pest or weed issues that can come up, so it's best to be prepared. This includes having the right pesticide products, but also the right equipment. Most liquid pesticides require the use of a sprayer to disperse the product to the target pest or weed, but it is important to use the right sprayer for the application.

Depending on your issue being small or large, you have several sprayer options: a handheld sprayer, a backpack sprayer, a hose-end sprayer, or a professional pesticide spray rig. This sprayer buyer's guide will touch on each spray option to help you get an idea of which pesticide sprayer is best for you.

Pesticide Sprayer Types

Handheld Pump Sprayer

Handheld pump sprayers work by pumping air into the sprayer to create pressure for spray applications. These sprayers usually hold 1 or 2 gallons depending on the size or model of the tank.

Handheld sprayers are great for pesticide applications around homes, such as targeted spot treatments or for barrier spraying around windows, doors, or other entry points to the structure.

Of course, you can always use a handheld pump sprayer for broadcast applications, but it may be more time consuming and require frequent pumping to maintain pressure within the spray tank.

Backpack Sprayer

Backpack sprayers are typically larger than handheld sprayer and are worn on the operator's back. These sprayers usually hold up to 4 or 5 gallons of spray solution. Backpack sprayers can work via manual handpump like the handheld pump sprayer does or they can be battery powered.

We recommend using a backpack sprayer for if you have a large yard and need to conduct cover more ground depending on your pest situation. This is a nice option; because of the tank's capacity you will not have to stop and remix and refill your sprayer during a pesticide spray job. It also lessens operator fatigue since it is worn on the back rather than being held.

Hose-End Sprayer

Hose-End Sprayers are a convenient piece of sprayer tool that you attach to a hose and use the water dispensed from the hose to apply product. Simply add a measured amount of pesticide concentrate to the hose-end reservoir for broadcast spraying of product on trees, shrubs, turf and other areas around a yard.

Hose-End Sprayers can deliver up to 20 gallons or more of product in a single session. Use Hose-End Sprayers when you need to apply a large volume of pesticide over a wide space that wouldn't be feasible with a backpack sprayer or handheld pump sprayer.

Hose-End Sprayers are also a great option when treating for soil-borne diseases or sub-surface turf pests. By using large amounts of water, you will be able to push the pesticide down deep into the soil or turf's root zone for a more effective treatment.

Pesticide Spray Rig

Pesticide Spray Rigs, also known as skid sprayers, are a spraying unit that is designed to be placed onto the back of a truck or trailer and are mainly used by professionals. They often are powered by a gasoline engine or a 12 volt battery (for electric spay rigs) and have a pressurizing pump and a large tank that can house 50 to 500 gallons of liquid.

Pesticide spraying rigs are best used to treat very large properties, such as a golf course, a park, athletic fields or other vast landscapes that can span an acre or more. Skid sprayers are commonly used by pest management professionals to help them complete larger, tougher jobs much faster and more efficiently.