What is imidacloprid and how is it used?

Imidacloprid is a very interesting insecticidal substance

Molecular structure of imidacloprid.

That plants can be attacked by numerous pests and microorganisms that cause diseases is a fact, but it is also true that today we have a wide variety of products that fight them. One of the most used are those that carry Imidacloprid.

But What are its features and applications? What side effects does its use have? We are going to talk to you about all this and more below.

What is imidacloprid?

Different products with imidacloprid

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It is a substance that was designed and patented by Bayer Cropscience on May 3, 1988 in Tokyo (Japan). Its insecticidal properties make it easily salable; not surprisingly, its effectiveness is very fast. In fact, it is a very good product to control all kinds of pestsbe termites, fleas, cockroaches, weevils (such as Red weevil how much affects palm trees) or ants. In addition, it can also be used to treat the seeds before and during sowing.

Today it is sold under various brand names, such as Admire, Advantage, Piccus, Prothor or Seedoprid.

What are its uses?

Home agriculture and gardening

Imidacloprid is a good and effective insecticide, which -as long as it is used properly- It will help us control and even eliminate practically all insects that are damaging crops, As the aphids, mealybugs, trips or white flies for example.

As a systemic insecticide, it is absorbed by the roots and transported by the stems through the xylem (woody vessels) of plants. Thus, when the insects bite it, they become intoxicated and die.

Elimination of subterranean termites

Termites that live below ground level can cause a lot of trouble and annoyance, not only to crops but also to wooden furniture.

To avoid or eliminate them, you have to mix between 12,5 and 25g of this insecticide with 15 liters of water. After stirring, it is ready for direct application on the ground.

Control of pests in animals

If you have pets, you have probably bought an antiparasitic that contains imidacloprid, perhaps from the Advantage brand. Always avoiding contact with eyes, nose, mouth and mucous membranes, and following the instructions of the veterinarian to the letter, it is good even as a preventive.

What measures must be taken to be able to use it?

Protect yourself before using imidacloprid

Imidacloprid is a substance considered moderately toxic. I can tell you that I made the mistake many years ago of not taking any safety measures, and I had the skin on the fingers of my right hand (the one that had been in contact with the product continuously for almost a month) as scaly.

Although she recovered well (my skin is smooth again 🙂), it made me see that it is very, very important to take the manufacturer's specified indications seriously, and others that are…, yes, common sense:

  • You have to put on rubber gloves, if possible new, or failing that they are not broken anywhere. Avoid at all costs that the liquid comes into contact with the skin.
  • Using a mask it also does not hurt to avoid accidental ingestions.
  • Do not use it on windy days, for our own safety.
  • Do not use it in full sun, since otherwise the plants would burn due to the magnifying glass effect (that is, the sun's rays, when coming into contact with the product adhered to the leaves, would burn them). It is better to wait for sunset / dusk, when the star is low.
  • Keep it away from animals and children. The ideal is to have it in a closet that is difficult for them to access.
  • Never throw it away in nature, or in gardens. It is very harmful.

What side effects does it have?

Reduces the population of bees and bumblebees

Imidacloprid reduces bee populations

Imidcaloprid, as well as the rest of neonicotinoids, are substances so effective in controlling pests that they also harm, probably, the insects that should matter most to us: bees and bumblebees. Both are one of the main pollinating animals on the planet.; without them, the whole of humanity would be lost.

For this reason, little by little we are seeing that different countries are regulating their trade. Germany was the first to prohibit treating seeds with this insecticide, and in Spain Royal Decree 1054/2002 was drafted, which regulates the evaluation process for the registration, authorization and commercialization of biocides. In 2018, he rose to high positions and was the EU itself that banned it almost entirely (here you have more information).

Redness, scaling, and other health problems

This I know first-hand, and that my case was rather mild. If you have contact with this product and you are not wearing any type of protection, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible; otherwise it may become red, flake, or even irritated.

Also, if ingested, depending on the dose you could have shortness of breath, internal burning sensation, vomiting, seizures or dizziness, among others. Obviously, a visit to the doctor is mandatory.

You have more information at This studio.

Plants less resistant to pests

The use of chemical insecticides makes the plant's own immune system weak, it »falls asleep». They get used to receiving them when they have pests, and not to fighting those insects themselves.

Asters are very cheerful flowers

I hope you have learned a lot about imidacloprid, as well as its uses and side effects.


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