How do professional and homeowner applications of soil applied insecticides compare?
The application rates for the homeowner product (Bayer Advanced™ Tree & Shrub Insect Control) and professional formulations of imidacloprid are very similar. Homeowners apply the same amount of active ingredient that professionals apply. However, there are certain restrictions on the use of homeowner formulations that do not apply to professional formulations. Homeowner formulations of imidacloprid can be applied only as a drench. It is not legal to inject these products into the soil, although some companies have marketed devices to homeowners specifically for this purpose. Homeowners are also restricted to making only one application per year. Several generic products containing imidacloprid are available to homeowners, but the formulations vary and the effectiveness of these products has not yet been evaluated in university tests.
