What is residual pesticide vs. nonresidual pesticide?

Question: What is the definition of a residual pesticide and a nonresidual pesticide?

Answer: Residual insecticides remain effective where they are applied for some length of time. The length of time depends on the formulation (dust, liquid, etc.), the type of surface (soil, brick, wood, etc.) and the condition of the surface (wet, greasy, etc.). Termiticides are examples of insecticides with very long residual. They are applied in the soil under homes to prevent subterranean termites from attacking.

Nonresidual insecticides have no residual activity. They work now, then they are gone within a fairly short time. Pyrethrum (an extract from flowers) is an active ingredient in many nonresidual insecticides. Probably the most widely-used nonresidual insecticides are the aerosol sprays for flying and crawling insects. Nonresidual insecticides are also known as contact insecticides. In other words, you have to “hit” the bug with the spray in order for it to work.

Your highly trained Orkin Pest Specialist will develop a customized treatment plan which can use one or the other, or perhaps both types, depending on the situation. For further details or to arrange a visit by the Orkin Pest Specialist call your local Orkin branch office today.