How do soil applied systemic insecticides work?
Systemic insecticides applied to the soil are taken up by the roots and translocated throughout the tree. The most widely tested soil-applied systemic insecticide for control of EAB is imidacloprid, which is available under several brand names for use by professional applicators and homeowners (see Table 1). All imidacloprid formulations can be applied as a drench by mixing the product with water, then pouring the solution directly on the soil around the base of the trunk. Dinotefuran is also labeled for use as a soil treatment, but to date it has been tested only as a basal trunk spray (discussed below). Studies to test its effectiveness as a soil treatment are currently underway.
