Abamectin 18g/L EC Insecticide | Avermectin-Based Pest Control

Mode of Action

• Mechanism: Activates glutamate-gated chloride channels in insect/mite nerve cells → continuous chloride ion influx → paralysis and death.
• Action Types:
  • Contact & Ingestion: Effective against sucking and chewing pests.
  • Translaminar Activity: Penetrates leaf tissues to target pests on undersides.
• Speed of Action: Pests stop feeding within hours; death occurs over 1–3 days.

Target Pests & Applications

Formulations & Packaging

• Common Formulations:
  • EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate): 18g/L, 36g/L, 50g/L
  • WDG (Water-Dispersible Granules): 35%, 40%
  • SC (Suspension Concentrate): 200g/L
• Packaging:
  • Small: 100ml, 500ml, 1L bottles (EC)
  • Bulk: 200L drums, 1000L IBC containers

Key Features & Benefits

1. Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Controls mites (Tetranychus spp.), aphids (Aphis spp.), thrips (Thrips spp.), and soil nematodes.
2. Systemic-like Action: Translaminar movement provides residual protection (7–14 days).
3. Low Environmental Impact: Biodegradable; minimal soil accumulation.
4. IPM-Compatible: Low toxicity to beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs, parasitic wasps) when used at recommended rates.

Application Guidelines

• Mixing: Dilute in water according to crop/pest (e.g., 200 ml/ha for tomato spider mites).
• Timing:
  • Agricultural: Early morning/late afternoon to avoid pollinators.
  • Ant/Cockroach Bait: Place near pest activity (e.g., ant trails, cockroach hiding spots).
• Reapplication: Every 7–14 days for severe infestations; maximum 3 applications per season.

Safety & Handling

• Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves; avoid inhalation.
• Environmental Precautions:
  • Toxic to fish and aquatic life; keep 100m from water bodies.
  • Harmful to bees; avoid spraying on flowering crops.
• Storage: Cool, dry place; avoid sunlight and moisture.
• Toxicity:
  • Low toxicity to humans (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg), but high doses may cause nausea or neurological effects.
  • Toxic to dogs/cats if ingested; veterinary guidance required for pet use.

Regulatory & Technical Notes

• IRAC Group: 6 (avermectins); rotate with Group 1, 3, or 11 insecticides to prevent resistance.
• Residue Compliance: Meets EU MRLs (e.g., 0.01 mg/kg for leafy vegetables) and USDA standards.
• Veterinary Use: Approved for deworming cattle and dogs (under veterinary supervision).

Abamectin FAQ

1. What is Abamectin?
   • Abamectin is a broad – spectrum insecticide, miticide, and nematicide derived from the fermentation of Streptomyces avermitilis. It is a mixture of two main components, B1a and B1b, with B1a being the more active and prevalent one in commercial products. It belongs to the avermectin class of compounds and is widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and even has some veterinary applications for pest and parasite control.
2. How does Abamectin work?
   • Abamectin works by interfering with the nervous system of pests. It activates glutamate – gated chloride channels in insect and mite nerve cells. This activation leads to a continuous influx of chloride ions into the cells. As a result, the normal nerve impulse transmission is disrupted, which causes paralysis. Eventually, the pests die due to this neurological malfunction. It has both contact and ingestion action, meaning pests can be affected when they come into direct contact with the chemical or when they consume plant material treated with abamectin. Additionally, it has translaminar activity, allowing it to penetrate leaf tissues and target pests on the undersides of leaves.
3. What pests does Abamectin control?
   • Abamectin is effective against a wide range of pests. In the agricultural and horticultural fields, it can control mites such as spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), aphids (Aphis spp.), thrips (Thrips spp.), whiteflies, leafminers, and some beetles. It is also used to combat soil – dwelling nematodes. In the context of household and veterinary pest control, it can be used against ants and cockroaches. Some sources even suggest it might have an impact on larger pests like mice, although this is less common.
4. What are the common formulations of Abamectin?
   • Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC): This is one of the most common formulations. Examples include 18g/L, 36g/L, and 50g/L EC. The EC formulation is easy to mix with water for foliar spraying.
   • Water – Dispersible Granules (WDG): Such as 35% and 40% WDG. These granules can be dispersed in water, providing a convenient way to apply abamectin, especially for large – scale agricultural use.
   • Suspension Concentrate (SC): For instance, 200g/L SC. SC formulations offer good suspension properties, ensuring even distribution during application.
5. How should Abamectin be applied?
   • Foliar Application: For most foliar – feeding pests like mites, aphids, and thrips on vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamentals, it is diluted in water according to the pest and crop type. For example, for spider mites on vegetables, 200 – 400 ml/ha of 18g/L EC might be used. The spray should cover both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves thoroughly. It is best applied during early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day and to minimize the impact on pollinators.
   • Soil Application: When used to control nematodes in field crops, it can be incorporated into the soil. The dosage may range from 300 – 600 ml/ha depending on the severity of the nematode infestation. This is usually done during the planting stage.
   • Bait Application (for ants and cockroaches): In veterinary or household pest control, abamectin – based baits can be placed near ant trails or cockroach hiding spots. The sweet – smelling nature of the bait attracts the pests, and once they consume it, the abamectin takes effect.
6. Is Abamectin safe for humans?
   • Abamectin is highly potent and can have adverse effects on humans if not used properly. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets. When handling abamectin products, always read and follow the label instructions carefully. Do not ingest or inhale the product directly. Wear proper protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and long – sleeved clothing when applying it to prevent overexposure. People who are overexposed to abamectin may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. If overexposure occurs, immediately follow the instructions on the product label and contact a healthcare professional. Although abamectin is not classified as a carcinogen, any suspected overexposure should be treated seriously.
7. Is Abamectin safe for animals and other wildlife?
   • For Pets: Dogs are extremely sensitive to abamectin, and exposure can even be deadly. Symptoms in dogs may include weakness, lethargy, low body temperature, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures, and potentially death, which can develop within 5 to 24 hours after exposure. Cats that are overexposed may experience irritated eyes and skin, vomiting, trouble breathing, weight changes, reproductive issues, and neurological problems like tremors or lethargy. If you suspect your pet has ingested any abamectin – containing pest control product, contact your veterinarian immediately.
   • For Wildlife: Abamectin has a high risk of freshwater runoff. It is toxic to fish and aquatic life, so it should be kept at least 100 meters away from water bodies. Also, it can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, especially if used on blooming plants. Due to these risks, proper disposal of abamectin products is crucial, and alternative pest control methods like neem oil may be considered in areas where protecting pollinators is a priority.
8. What are the symptoms of Abamectin poisoning in humans?
   • In cases of overexposure, humans may experience a range of symptoms. Mild symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In more severe cases, it can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as confusion, tremors, and in extreme cases, seizures. Since abamectin can impact the nervous system, any suspected poisoning should be treated as a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention should be sought.
9. How to treat Abamectin poisoning?
   • If a person is suspected of being poisoned by abamectin, first, remove them from the source of exposure. If the exposure was through inhalation, move the person to a well – ventilated area. For skin contact, immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. If abamectin gets into the eyes, rinse them with plenty of water or saline solution for 15 minutes. If ingested, do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional. Instead, call a poison control center or seek emergency medical help. There is no specific antidote for abamectin poisoning, so treatment mainly focuses on supportive care to manage the symptoms.
10. What is the pre – harvest interval (PHI) for Abamectin?

• The pre – harvest interval varies depending on the crop and the specific abamectin product used. In general, it is important to carefully read the product label for the accurate PHI information. For many agricultural applications, the PHI can range from a few days to several weeks. This interval is set to ensure that the residue levels of abamectin on the harvested crops are within the safe limits for human consumption, as defined by regulatory bodies such as the EPA in the United States or equivalent agencies in other countries.

11. Can Abamectin be used in organic farming?

• Abamectin is a natural product derived from microbial fermentation, but in most organic farming standards, its use is restricted. Some organic certification programs may allow the use of abamectin in certain situations as a last resort for pest control when other approved organic methods have failed. However, in general, organic farming emphasizes the use of non – synthetic pest control methods such as biological controls (using beneficial insects), crop rotation, and physical barriers. So, while abamectin has a natural origin, it is not a commonly used pest control option in strictly organic farming systems.

12. How to manage resistance to Abamectin?

• Since abamectin belongs to the IRAC Group 6 (avermectins), to manage resistance, it is crucial to rotate it with pesticides from other modes of action. For example, rotate with insecticides from Group 1 (organophosphates), Group 3 (pyrethroids), or Group 11 (neonicotinoids). Also, avoid overusing abamectin by only applying it when necessary and following the recommended dosage. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that combine chemical control with cultural (such as proper crop sanitation), biological (using natural enemies of pests), and physical control methods can also help in reducing the selection pressure for resistance development in pest populations.

13. Does Abamectin have any effect on crops?

• When used at the recommended rates, abamectin generally has a low risk of causing phytotoxicity to crops. However, in some cases, especially when used at high concentrations or under certain environmental conditions (such as high temperatures), it may cause damage to some sensitive crops. For example, it can be harmful to some varieties of cucurbits (like cucumbers and melons). It is always advisable to test a small area of the crop first before widespread application, especially if using a new product or on a crop variety with which you have no prior experience of using abamectin.