Using abamectin for pest control

Sylvia Kenmuir, BCE

Abamectin is a unique active ingredient, despite being a long-standing tool in pest management. Derived from a soil microorganism (Streptomyces avermitilis), it functions as a broad-spectrum nerve toxin. When formulated into dry flowable bait, it can reduce exposure to non-target insects.

As a dry flowable bait, abamectin can be effective against ants, cockroaches and other crawling insects. The beauty of the formulation is that it allows the product to penetrate deep harborage sites.

Cockroaches have two ways of interacting with abamectin-based dry flowable formulations: they either directly consume the bait, or the fine particles will cling to their bodies as they crawl through a treatment. Later, as they preen themselves, cockroaches will ingest the bait. It’s essential to note that dry flowable baits are not insecticidal dusts, so review the label and apply in accordance with the label instructions.