Pest Control Services: The Ingredients of Pesticides and How They’re Made

Ingredients of pesticides

• Inert ingredients
• Active ingredients

 

For those who do not resort to organic means, pest control services turn to Pesticides which have been around for so long. For generations, humans have devised methods to prevent insects from eating or destroying crops. Modern-day pest control services do more than just prevent insects from doing this. They also tend to ensure that any kind of pest, insects, weeds, rodents, and the like do not move anywhere near your crops or your home.

Over the years, pesticides have gone through different variations—and even today, there’s no real perfect pesticide. Instead, different kinds of these chemical sprays are made to react better to specific pests. What exactly are these chemicals mixtures made of? Let’s take a look at how these things are made.

 

The Ingredients of Pesticides

In the typical mixture of pesticides, there would usually be an active ingredient coupled with a few inert ingredients. The active ingredient is the main substance that kills the designated pests, while the inert ingredients enable the spraying and coating of the target area. The inert ingredients can also contribute a few other advantages that are not provided by the active ingredients alone.

 

Active Ingredients

These ingredients were originally distilled from natural substances. Nowadays, they’re mostly synthesized within a laboratory. These active ingredients are mostly hydrocarbons that are derived from petroleum.  They also include other elements depending on the pesticide desired. These include:

• Chlorine
• Oxygen
• Sulfur
• Phosphorous
• Nitrogen
• Bromine

 

Inert Ingredients

There are many substances that can be considered an Inert ingredient. In fact, it mainly depends on the type of pesticide that you should be using. Most liquid pesticides traditionally use kerosene or another variant of petroleum distillate as a carrier.

In recent years, water has finally caught up and is beginning to replace kerosene as a better carrier. Some pesticides also use emulsifiers to distribute the active ingredient evenly through the mixture.

Powder pesticides would usually contain vegetable matter such as nut shells, corn cobs, clays such as diatomite or attapulgite, or powdered minerals such as talc or calcium carbonate. This helps the pesticide stick better.

 

The Pesticide Manufacturing Process

The main production process of pesticide has three phases, two of which are done within the main plant, while the last one by a certified applicator. These three steps are Synthesis, Formulation, and Dilution.

 

Synthesizing the Pesticide

While pesticides are being manufactured, they will first be produced on a small scale for testing within a laboratory. If the mixture proves effective and viable, then the recipe will be green lit for factory production.

The synthesis itself requires trained chemists and a fully equipped laboratory. The pesticide would usually involve a procedure that alters the organic molecules to form a pesticide. The procedures done here would usually involve a number of reagents and catalysts as well as a controlled environment.

After synthesis, the active ingredient is sent to a formulator.

 

Formulating the Pesticide

Formulators are the ones that mix the active ingredient with their carrier. They have to make sure that the measurement and the amount are strictly followed in mixing the active ingredient into a liquid pesticide or when it’s mixed in with inert powders or dry fertilizers.

The different kinds of pesticides are then placed in relevant containers. For example, liquid pesticides are packaged in 200-liter drums or a 20-liter jug. Dry pesticide can be packaged in 5 to 10 kg plastic bags. The liquid pesticide is usually concentrated to make transport easier while dry pesticides are all ready for use.

 

Diluting the Pesticide

The diluting of the pesticide is only done with liquid pesticide. Keep in mind that there are many cases wherein the pesticide solution is stored for a short time before it’s requested. In order for it to not lose its effectiveness, the liquid pesticide is made into emulsified concentrates.

Once they’re going to be used, the one applying them will basically dilute the concentration to create the amount of pesticide needed. This would lead to the pesticide consisting of around one percent of its original active ingredient.

 

Key Takeaway

Pesticides have been around for generations. It’s become vital for agriculture, and the elimination of pests in general. Many pest control services make use of them because of their effectiveness—as well as the diversity of choices you have. With the many kinds of pests that can be found in your home, there will surely be a pesticide that will get the job done for you.