What is Abamectin?

Abamectin

There are all sorts of pests out there that you may deal with on a property, so it helps that when using an insecticide to have one that is not only effective but can successfully address a wide range of insects. One such product that can do that is Abamectin.

Abamectin is a key active ingredient used in a number of special insecticide products to treat for cockroaches and ants. It is also popularly used in miticides and nematicides. Solutions Pest & Lawn is proud to carry products containing this powerful active ingredient such as Abamectin .15EC Miticide among others. Learn more about this chemical and why it works so effectively to kill many different common pests.

What is Abamectin?

Abamectin comes from the chemical class known as avermectins, also known as nerve poisons. Avermectins are derived from the soil microorganism, Streptomyces avermitilis. These compounds are produced naturally in the soil as an actinomycete fungus. In the late 1970s, it was first isolated by scientists Merck & Co from soil samples collected in Japan. Of the four separate mixtures of avermectin came abamectin.

Abamectin is active at low rates against a broad range of agricultural, horticultural, and household insects and mites. It is low in toxicity to mammals and breaks down within 24 hours when exposed to light on unprotected surfaces.

How Does Abamectin Work?

Mode of Action

Abamectin works by affecting the nerves of insects through activating the chloride ion conductance mediated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In less scientific terms, the Abamectin paralyzes pests by interrupting the nervous system of targeted insects. This causes the insects to stop feeding, eventually starving themselves to death. Abamectin is slow-acting, allowing for pests to carry the active ingredient back to their colony. Cockroaches on the other hand, do not take the pesticide back but the poison is transferred via roach droppings.

Benefits of Abamectin

Abamectin has shown to kill target insects within 3 to 4 days of contact and achieve a domino effect in killing an entire colony or infestation via the spreading of the poison through contact or food sharing with the other insects in the population.

When used as a miticide, Abamectin is very effective because of its residual effect. Repeated applications to plants being damaged by mites may not be necessary because the product creates a protective barrier that will continue to be effective long after application.

Drawbacks of Abamectin

Abamectin is not an instant-kill pesticide. It can take 2 to 4 days for a target pest to succumb to the effects of the active ingredient so those looking for a fast resolution may think the product is not working after applying. Patience is a must as Abmectin is effective, but it takes some time to see results.

Avoid using Abamectin when you desire a quicker kill of an insect infestation.

Is Abamectin Safe?

Abamectin is safe to use when applied according to label directions. Abamectin has been carefully evaluated by the EPA for its impact on people and the environment. While Abamectin can be toxic, most products that contain Abamectin in its formulation have low toxicity to where it will not harm people and different warm-blooded creatures, making it safe to handle. Abamectin is generally non-poisonous to birds; be that as it may, it is exceptionally lethal for bees and sea life such as fish so be careful when applying adjacent to where bees are active or near bodies of water

When applied to plants, an Abamectin pesticide do not contaminate or ruin the crops because it is not absorbed by crops. It also quickly lessens in effect because of the sun. It is also safe to use around water systems because the chemical does not leach into groundwater quickly debases when presented to water.

While applying abamectin, it is recommended to always wear protective masks and avoid coming into contact with it via skin. Wash hands thoroughly after use and sit tight for leaves to dry before entering the area of application.

What To Expect

Abamectin is an effective pesticide in that it is a slow-killing formula. This allows for pests such as ants and cockroaches to consume the active ingredient and spread it to others in their colonies, resulting in a significant depletion or total elimination of the population.

Featured Products

Abamectin .18 EC Miticide - Abamectin .18 EC is made by Quali-Pro is an effective miticide that delivers long-lasting control of plant-eating insects. Abamectin .18 EC works through contact to keep mites, aphids, thrips and whiteflies off of your plants and ornamentals.