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Carl's Corner
Microencapsulated Products- Old or New?
6-30-2008
Micro encapsulation – New or Old Technology?
Back in college, we were talking about a cutting edge product that would change the way we thought about insecticide formulations. The insecticide was Knox-Out and the technology was micro encapsulation and used the very common insecticide diazinon. This new formulation had some very useful benefits in the field.
Micro encapsulation is the encasement of very small amounts of active ingredient in a small polymer capsule. After spraying, a film of microscopic capsules is left behind and is very easy for insect pests to pick up. This had several positive effects. First, the residual life of the active ingredient was extended since these small capsules would protect the insecticide from evaporating and would survive even longer under wet conditions. Since the capsules had higher concentrations of active ingredient, even resistant insects could be killed when a capsule ruptured on the insect itself.
Another advantage of this formulation is less odor because it is water based and eliminates the need for odorous solvent systems. Microencapsulated insecticides also tend to have lower toxicity because the capsules prevent absorption into the body by both dermal and oral routes.
Well, here we are almost 30 years later and micro encapsulation technology is still going strong. The same attributes then are the same advantages today. The only difference is that the processes for making these formulations are better today with thinner and more uniform products. The active ingredients have changed and we now have pyrethroids instead of organophosphates.
One of the newest microencapsulated insecticides is Onslaught by MGK. Onslaught has one of the most versatile labels of the market. There are over two hundred insects and arthropod pests on the label. This product has a food handling area label and can also be used in unoccupied livestock facilities. Onslaught is labeled for full flea treatments and can be used for bedbug control.
Another interesting labeled use for Onslaught is that it can be sprayed around and into drains for stored product pests. This product can also be used to make bait for use in traps for yellow jacket control. One of the best uses for a microencapsulated insecticide is for outdoor use. The residual life of the insecticide will be extended and this type of formulation is very plant friendly and should cause no burning of foliage. Some people have found this product to be very useful for adult mosquito control.
As always, read and follow the label. If you would like to try some of this new-old technology, Onslaught is our featured Spotlight Product for July 2008!
