How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches in 3 Easy Steps
Insecticides
Shop professional-grade insecticides from DIY Pest Control. We carry over 60 insecticide formulations from trusted brands like Control Solutions, Syngenta, Envu, MGK, and FMC.
Having trouble finding the right product or need additional information? Please call us at 1-800-476-3368
Types of Insecticide Formulations We Carry
Not every pest problem calls for the same type of insecticide. The formulation you choose affects how the product is mixed, applied, and how long it remains active. We stock concentrates, water-soluble granules, wettable powders, microencapsulated suspensions, and fogging compounds so you can match the formulation to the job.
Liquid concentrates are the most popular choice for both homeowners and pest control operators. Products like Bifen I/T and Cyonara 9.7 are diluted with water in a pump sprayer and applied to baseboards, entry points, and exterior perimeters. Microencapsulated formulations such as Cyzmic CS release their active ingredient slowly, extending residual control in outdoor environments where rain and UV exposure break down standard sprays faster.
Water-soluble granules like Alpine WSG dissolve completely in water and leave no visible residue or odor, making them a strong choice for sensitive indoor applications in kitchens, offices, and healthcare facilities. Wettable powders such as Cyper WSP are mixed with water and applied as a spray. Note that wettable powder formulations will leave a slight visible film on dark surfaces. If that is a concern for indoor applications, a liquid concentrate or suspension concentrate may be a better fit.
Choosing the Right Insecticide for the Pest
Identifying your target pest before purchasing an insecticide will save you time and money. A broad-spectrum pyrethroid like bifenthrin works well for general perimeter pest control, but a specialty product may be required for specific infestations.
For termite treatments, a non-repellent insecticide like fipronil is preferred because termites cannot detect it. They walk through the treated soil and transfer the active ingredient back to the colony. For bed bugs, a product like Crossfire Bed Bug Concentrate combines two active ingredients to overcome pyrethroid resistance that is common in bed bug populations. For ants, non-repellent sprays are also recommended because they allow foraging ants to track the insecticide back to the nest without being repelled from the treated area.
We organize our insecticide category by target pest, including dedicated subcategories for ants, roaches, spiders, termites, and lawn and garden insects. If you are unsure which product fits your situation, browse by pest type above or call our team for a recommendation.
How to Apply a Professional Pest Control Spray
Applying an insecticide correctly is just as important as choosing the right product. Most of our liquid concentrates are mixed with water in a hand-pump or backpack sprayer. Always read the product label for the correct dilution rate before mixing.
For indoor treatments, apply a 4-inch band along baseboards, under sinks, behind appliances, and around door and window frames. Focus on cracks and crevices where insects travel and harbor. Avoid spraying large open surfaces where contact with people and pets is more likely.
For outdoor perimeter treatments, spray a band along the foundation of the structure, extending 2 to 3 feet up the exterior wall and 2 to 3 feet out onto the ground. Treat around windows, doors, eaves, and utility entry points. Reapply according to the product label, typically every 30 to 90 days, depending on the active ingredient and weather conditions.
If you are using a commercial insecticide in a food-handling facility, select a product labeled for that use and follow all label requirements for application timing and ventilation. We carry several options approved for use in restaurants and commercial kitchens through our restaurant pest control products category.
Repellent vs. Non-Repellent Insecticides
Understanding the difference between repellent and non-repellent insecticides will help you build a more effective treatment plan. Repellent insecticides, such as those containing bifenthrin or cypermethrin, create a barrier that insects avoid. This makes them ideal for perimeter applications where the goal is to keep pests from entering a structure.
Non-repellent insecticides, such as those containing fipronil or chlorfenapyr, are undetectable to insects. Pests walk through treated areas without knowing they have contacted an active ingredient. This is critical for social insects like ants and termites that share food and groom each other within the colony. A single exposed insect can transfer the active ingredient to many others, resulting in colony-wide control.
For the best results, many professionals use a non-repellent insecticide near known pest activity and a repellent insecticide as a perimeter barrier. Avoid spraying repellent products near bait placements, as the repellent effect will keep insects away from the bait.
Delta Dust
Delta Dust delivers fast, long-lasting control of crawling and flying insects, including ants, cockroaches, fleas, bedbugs, termites, carpenter ants, and more. Formulated with Deltamethrin, this odorless, non-staining dust provides up to 8 months of protection when left undisturbed and won’t clump or absorb moisture. One pound treats approximately 1,000 sq/ft—learn more at diypestcontrol.com/delta-dust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insecticides
What is the difference between an insecticide and a pesticide?
A pesticide is a broad category that includes any product used to control pests. Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides are all types of pesticides. An insecticide specifically targets insects. All of the products in this category are insecticides formulated to kill or control insect pests.
How long do professional insecticide sprays last after application?
Residual effectiveness varies by product, formulation, and application environment. Most synthetic pyrethroid concentrates provide 30 to 90 days of residual control when applied indoors. Outdoor applications typically have shorter residual periods because rain, irrigation, and sunlight break down the active ingredient faster. Microencapsulated formulations tend to last longer outdoors than standard liquid concentrates.
Are these insecticides safe to use around pets and children?
When applied according to the product label, professional insecticide concentrates pose minimal risk to people and pets after the treated area has dried, which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Always keep children and pets out of the treatment area during application and until the spray has dried completely. Store all products in a secure location out of reach.
Can I use the same insecticide indoors and outdoors?
Many of our concentrates are labeled for both indoor and outdoor use. Products like D-Fense SC and Bifen I/T are versatile options that can be applied to interior baseboards as well as exterior foundations. Always check the product label to confirm the application sites permitted for a specific insecticide.
What equipment do I need to apply liquid insecticide concentrates?
A standard hand-pump sprayer is sufficient for most residential applications. We carry a full selection of sprayers suitable for pest control work. For larger commercial or industrial insecticide applications, a backpack sprayer provides more capacity and consistent pressure over extended treatment areas.
Shop Insecticides with Confidence at DIY Pest Control
We have been supplying professional pest control products to homeowners and operators since 1982. Every insecticide we sell is backed by technical support from our certified staff. We ship from warehouses in Georgia and Arizona, so most orders arrive within a few business days with free shipping included.
Need help choosing the right insecticide? Contact our team by phone at 1-800-476-3368, email, or live chat. We are here to help you solve your pest problem.
