Indoxacarb is one of the oxadiazine insecticides and the world’s first commercial sodium channel blocking insecticide. Oxadiazine insecticides were developed by DuPont in the United States in the late 20th century. It has multiple effects on sodium channels and neuron receptors in insects. Indoxacarb blocks nerve impulses by inhibiting sodium channels in nerve cells of insects. The blocking of nerve impulses can paralyze the insect’s feeding organs and prevent it from eating. Eventually, the insect will die from paralysis caused by lack of energy supplies.
Unlike pyrethroids and DDT, indoxacarb acts in ways similar to the local anesthetic lidocaine. Its insecticidal selectivity and activity are mainly influenced by the metabolic rate of the insect, its sensitivity to sodium channels and the dissociation of already bound metabolites. Indoxacarb has selective toxicity in mammals and insects. The U.S. EPA lists indoxacarb as a low-risk insecticide ingredient used as an alternative to organophosphorus insecticide products. Due to its safety and environmental friendliness, indoxacarb quickly took over some of the market share previously held by organophosphorus and carbamate products shortly after its launch. Since the end of the 20th century, indoxacarb has been widely used in the world.
Indoxacarb’s Action Mode and Characteristics
Indoxacarb can kill adult and eggs of pests by both contact and stomach poisoning. After contacting or ingesting indoxacarb, pests will stop feeding within 3-4 hours. The insect’s body will be paralyzed, causing the movement disorders. It will fall off fruits, vegetables or crops, and die within 4-48 hours after the ingredient is absorbed. Indoxacarb does not decompose easily even under the sun’s strong ultraviolet radiation. It is also guaranteed to be effective at high temperatures. In addition, it also has a good resistance to rain erosion. So, it will stick to the leaves of vegetables or crops for a long time and continue to be effective.
What Indoxacarb Kills
Indoxacarb has a broad spectrum of insecticidal effects on all kinds of lepidopteran insects. This ingredient can be used to kill and control many kinds of pests on corn, cotton, fruit trees, vegetables, soybeans and grapes, especially the pests of Curculionidae, leaf hoppers, lygus, fruit flies and pests in maize roots. In addition, indoxacarb gel and baits are especially suitable for the killing and control of cockroaches, leeches, red imported fire ants and other indoor health pests. Indoxacarb spray and baits can also be used to control worms, weevils, mole crickets and other lawn pests.
Indoxacarb also has a good effect on pests that are already resistant to the existing insecticides. And it has little effect on parasitic mites and beneficial organisms. At present, indoxacarb has not been found to have cross-resistance to pyrethroids, organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides. After years of commercial use, indoxacarb has not been found to be harmful to any agricultural crops. It is safe to non-target insects such as fish, mammals, natural enemies of pests and mites. So, it is an ideal insecticide for integrated pest control.
Prevention of the Development of Pests’ Resistance to Indoxacarb
We have already mentioned some advantages of indoxacarb, which are mainly reflected in its broad-spectrum insecticidal effect, good killing effect against pests that have developed resistance, safety for non-target organisms and stability in the environment after application. These are the advantages that indoxacarb can be better used for pest control of crops, fruits and vegetables. However, it should be mentioned that although indoxacarb has a good killing effect on resistant pests, with time going on and the extensive use of this ingredient, the rate of resistance development to indoxacarb may be accelerated. Therefore, it is very necessary to study the resistance mechanism of insects to indoxacarb, strengthen pest resistance monitoring, and scientifically and rationally use indoxacarb.
Safety Measures for Indoxacarb
Similar to other insecticide ingredients, when using insecticide products containing indoxacarb, the necessary precautions are essential and certain safety measures should be taken. The storage and use of insecticide products should follow the instructions carefully after reading the product label. When applying the insecticide, the user should wear the necessary protective equipment and avoid direct contact with the insecticide. Change contaminated clothing after application and dispose of product packaging properly. Please refer to the specific product instructions carefully to ensure that the correct hazardous disposal measures are taken.
The characteristic of indoxacarb determines that it will not only be used for outdoor pest control for crops, fruits and vegetables, but also can be used to deal with various health pests indoors. As a professional supplier of insecticide products, we always strive to ensure the safe use of insecticides by optimizing the formulation of our products. In addition, we are aware that when choosing indoor insecticide products, it is important to consider the balance between effectiveness and safety, as well as ease of use and safe post-use disposal. The above factors are the key points we always pay attention to in our product development process.
