Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Sevin®?
    Sevin is a brand of highly effective pesticides that are part of the GardenTech® family of products. Consumers have trusted Sevin brand products to control a wide variety of insect pests for more than 50 years. Sevin pesticides provide consumers with a broad spectrum of control, killing more insect pests in more places than other leading brands.
  • What forms do Sevin® products come in?
    Sevin products are available in a variety of product forms, allowing you to choose the pesticide form you prefer. Sevin Sulfur Dust is available in a formulation that can be used as a dust or a spray. Sevin Insect Killer liquids are available in Ready to Use, Concentrate and Ready to Spray formulations. Sevin Insect Killer products also include a Ready to Use granular product and a Ready to Use dust product.
  • What are the active ingredients in GardenTech Sevin pesticides?
    Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Use2 contains the active ingredient lambda-cyhalothrin. Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate and Ready to Spray products contain the active ingredient zeta-cypermethrin. The active ingredients in Sevin Insect Killer Lawn Granules are zeta-cypermethrin and bifenthrin. Sevin Insect Killer Dust Ready to Use contains the active ingredient bifenthrin. Sulfur is the active ingredient in Sevin Sulfur Dust.
  • How do Sevin pesticides control insects?
    Sevin products are non-systemic pesticides. This means that the product is not absorbed into the plant or distributed through the plant stem, foliage and flowers. Sevin products remain on the plant surface and kill listed insects on or by contact when they crawl on the treated plant or ingest the treated plant surface. Sevin Insect Killer Lawn Granules kill listed insects by contact when watered in to release the active ingredients into the lawn and soil. Sevin pesticides continue controlling pests as they gradually break down in the environment, with the length of control varying by product.
  • Do Sevin pesticides control all insects?
    Sevin products are broad-spectrum pesticides. This means they control a wide range of insect pests. However, the number and types of insects controlled depends on the product. Liquid Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Use2 kills and controls more than 130 insect pests. Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate and Ready to Spray liquid products kill and control more than 500 insect pests. Sevin Insect Killer Lawn Granules kill and control more than 100 insects. Sevin Insect Killer Dust Ready to Use kills and controls more than 150 insect pests. Each product label lists the insect pests it kills and controls.
  • When is the best time to apply Sevin pesticides?
    The best time to apply pesticides is during morning and evening hours when winds are calm and no rain is forecast for 24 to 48 hours. This reduces the likelihood that products may be blown or washed away. It also minimizes unintentional contact with beneficial pollinator insects, which are most active during daytime hours. Sevin products can be used throughout the growing season, as long as they are used according to label instructions. Refer to product labels for guidelines involving frequency of applications and required intervals between treatment and harvest of edible crops.
  • What is a Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) and why is it important?
    A pre-harvest interval (PHI) represents the minimum number of days you should allow between pesticide treatments and harvests of edible crops, such as fruits and vegetables. These intervals allow time for the environment to break down any pesticide residue so crops are ready for human consumption. Pre-harvest intervals vary depending on the pesticide products and the type of plant involved. When treating edible plants, always verify the PHI on the product label and follow label instructions carefully. Sevin Sulfur Dust can be used right up to harvest, so there is no PHI listing on the label.
  • Once I've applied Sevin pesticides, how long do I have to wait until people and pets can reenter the area?
    With Sevin liquid pesticides, keep the treated area free of people and pets until the product spray has dried. For granular applications, wait until the treated area has been watered in and dries thoroughly. For dust products, wait until the dust has settled before reentering the treated area.
  • Do I have to follow the safety precautions listed on the product labels?
    It is a violation of federal law to use pesticide products in a manner inconsistent with their labeling. This includes not following listed safety precautions. Label guidelines are included for your safety and the safety of those around you. Following label precautions minimizes any risks associated with that pesticide formulation.
  • Can I mix Sevin products with other chemicals such as fertilizers or fungicides?
    Never mix different chemicals unless their labels specifically recommend mixing the products and include directions for using the combined products. You can apply back-to-back treatments of different products, only if the label instructions allow it. If you are applying two liquid products, it's typically better to treat the most important problem first. Then wait about a week before applying the second chemical, so the second application doesn't wash away the first.
  • Can I apply Sevin pesticides on new sod or newly seeded lawn areas?
    Sevin pesticides can be applied to new sod or newly seeded areas. If you are applying granules, which must be watered in to release the active ingredient, or you're applying a heavy liquid solution, take care not to wash away seed that has not yet taken root.
  • When is it too cold or too hot to apply Sevin products?
    Temperatures have a significant effect on pests and their activity. Insects are cold-blooded creatures with body temperatures that are regulated by the temperatures around them. They don't get moving unless it is warm. Temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for treating insects with Sevin pesticides and maximizing your results.
  • Can Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate be used to refill Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Use2 or Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Spray containers?
    Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Use2 and Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Spray are sold in non-refillable containers. Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate is designed for use with a backpack or pump-style garden sprayer.
  • Can Sevin dust products be mixed with water?
    Sevin Insect Killer Dust Ready to Use comes in a shaker container and should only be used as a dry powder. The product is not intended to be mixed with water. Sevin Sulfur Dust may be used as a dust or mixed with water according to label instructions and used as a spray.
  • Can I spray Sevin pesticides on my household plants?
    You can spray Sevin pesticides on your household plants if you take the plants outside for treatment. Wait until they dry before you bring them back inside. For houseplants that spend summer outdoors, treat with Sevin pesticides before plants come back inside to help prevent plant pests from moving indoors.
  • Can I treat my animal with Sevin pesticides?
    Never apply Sevin products to household pets or other animals. Pet-appropriate products and information are available at pet stores or through your local veterinarian. In the past, some Sevin dust products listed instructions for animal treatments. Those Sevin products were discontinued and are no longer for sale.
  • Can I use Sevin pesticides on myself?
    Sevin products should never be applied to people. Always follow product label directions, including safety guidelines, when applying pesticides in the garden and landscape. Wear gloves and long sleeves when using pesticides in any form, and apply in such a way to avoid contact with people and pets. Keep treatment areas free of people and pets during applications and until the treated area has dried or dust has settled.
  • Will Sevin products stain my siding, sidewalks, vehicles, carports, driveways or similar surfaces?
    Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate and Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Spray are non-staining formulations that can be used on plants, trees, soil and lawns, and on building foundations up to a maximum height of 3 feet. Limit other outdoor applications of these products to spot or crack-and-crevice treatments, as instructed on the product labels. Non-staining Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Use2 can also be used on outdoor surfaces such as patios, decks and around windows as instructed on the product label. Used according to label instructions, these products will not stain most home siding, but it is recommended to test a small area of siding first.
  • Can I use Sevin pesticides indoors?
    Sevin pesticides are registered for outdoor application only and should not be applied indoors, on bedding, on pets or in vehicles.
  • Can I use Sevin pesticides on my carpet for insects?
    Sevin pesticides are registered for outdoor application only and should not be applied indoors, on bedding, on pets or in vehicles.
  • Where do I find Sevin XLR Plus and Sevin 4L?
    NovaSource/Tessenderlo Group, 602-889-8300.
  • Where do I find Sevin 80SL?
    Bayer Environmental Science, 1-800-331-2867.
  • How should I store Sevin pesticides?
    When storing Sevin pesticides, or any chemical products, follow these guidelines::
    • Store Sevin products out of the reach of children and pets, preferably in a locked storage area.
    • Store Sevin products in a cool, dry place in their original container or packaging.
    • Store Sevin products away from any heat sources, such as a heater or dryer, to prevent heating and melting of the container.
    • Store Sevin products so they are protected against exposure to freezing or elevated temperatures. If products are exposed to temperature extremes for an extended period of time, dispose of them properly; do not use them again. Exposure to extreme temperatures voids any guarantee of product effectiveness and can alter chemical products significantly.
  • Do Sevin insecticides kill slugs and snails?
    Slugs and snails are mollusks, not insects, so insecticides don't kill them. If slugs and snails affect your plants and you see signs of mucous trails and holes in plants and leaves, try using Corry's® Slug & Snail Killer to stop the damage.
  • What is Over'n Out!® Advanced?
    Over'n Out!® Advanced is a granular, broadcast, fire ant control product. One application yields 6 months of control. The advanced formula makes it fast acting as well. Over'n Out!® Advanced is less labor intensive and is the new standard in fire ant control.
  • What are the active ingredients in Over'n Out!® Advanced?
    Over'n Out! Advanced contains 0.20% bifenthrin and 0.05% Zeta-Cypermethirn. An efficacious combination of actives for imported fire ants.
  • How do I apply Over'n Out!® Advanced?
    Apply to your yard with a drop or broadcast (cyclone type) spreader. The settings for most spreaders are listed on the back of the bag. Use the setting recommended for your spreader, and always calibrate your spreader and water after application.
  • Do you need to water-in after application?
    Yes, control is only achieved when Over'n Out!® Advanced product is watered in after application. Watering washes the granules from the lawn foliage, releases the active ingredient, and allows the product to work.
  • How do I store Over'n Out!® Advanced?
    Keep out of reach of children and animals. Store in original containers only. Store in a cool, dry place, preferably in a locked storage area and avoid excess heat.
  • When is the best time to apply Over'n Out!® Advanced product?
    Apply during the morning or early evening when it is cool and the imported fire ants are most active, foraging for food. While early spring is the best time to treat, you can apply the product anytime during the year if you notice the presence of fire ants in your yard.
  • How long after I apply Over'n Out!® Advanced can I let my children or pets back on the treated area?
    After the product is watered in and the treated area is dry, children and pets can re-enter the area.
  • Why use a broadcast treatment of Over'n Out!® Advanced product?
    When a queen survives, the colony 'relocates' their mound a short distance from its original location. A broadcast treatment prevents this from happening, as well as re-infestation from outside colonies.
  • Can Over'n Out!® Advanced product be used as a mound treatment?
    Yes, mound treatment will control the mound within 15 minutes. Control is optimized by combining broadcast applications that control foraging workers and newly mated fly-in queens with mound treatment that will control exiting colonies.
  • Where can I apply Over'n Out!® Advanced?
    Apply Over'n Out!® Advanced to your lawn, ornamentals, flowers, and home foundations (perimeter).
  • If my neighbors don't treat, will my yard become re-infested?
    If your neighbor has fire ants and they don't treat their lawn, you may see a few foraging ants in your yard. If they enter your yard, they will come into contact with Over'n Out!® Advanced and die, but they will not transfer enough active ingredients to your neighbors’ yard to eliminate their fire ants. The best course of action is to encourage neighbors in adjacent yards to treat with Over'n Out!® Advanced.
  • How long will Over'n Out!® Advanced control fire ants?
    One application of Over'n Out!® Advanced provides six months of control.
  • What if Over'n Out!® Advanced doesn't last six months?
    GardenTech® has issued a money-back guarantee that homeowners will have six months of fire ant control with Over'n Out!® Advanced.
  • Will Over'n Out!® Advanced control other insects such as carpenter ants, fleas, and grubs?
    Over'n Out!® Advanced is specifically formulated to control imported fire ants. Please visit Sevin® products for options that control these types of insects. Click here for Sevin® brand insecticides.
  • Can Over’n Out! Advanced be applied in a vegetable or fruit garden?
    You can apply Over’n Out around the garden, but not directly in the garden. Leave a 3 foot barrier between product application and the garden.
  • Can I apply Over’n Out! Advanced in my pasture where animals graze?
    Over’n Out! Advanced should not be applied in areas where animals graze.
  • Do I have to follow the safety precautions listed on the product labels?
    It is required to follow safety precautions listed with a product, as it is a violation of Federal Law to use the product in a manner inconsistent with the labeling. These guidelines are there for the safety of you and those around you. Everyone has a different reaction to chemicals, and following precautions minimizes exposures to risks associated with the formulation.
  • Can I mix Over’n Out! Advanced with other chemicals such as fertilizers or fungicides?
    You are not allowed to mix two different chemicals together, unless the label specifically recommends directions for use mixing the two products. You can apply back-to-back treatments — just take into consideration that if you are applying two liquid products to a plant, the first application will be washed away. In this case, it would be best to treat the most important problem first, wait about a week, and apply the second chemical.
  • What is Daconil®?
    Daconil® is an effective fungicide that provides protection against a broad spectrum of fungal diseases, simplifying the control of diseases in your yard and garden.
  • How does Daconil® work?
    Daconil® can be used to prevent plant diseases before they happen, and protect against future outbreaks. Daconil® is non-systemic, which means it is not absorbed or distributed throughout the plant, but adheres to the plant surface to control the fungal spores.
  • What is the active ingredient for Daconil®?
    Chlorothalonil is the active ingredient in Ready-to-use and Concentrate.
  • What formulations are available for Daconil®?
    Daconil® is available in a Ready-To-Use bottle with a hand sprayer, as well as a pint-sized concentrate bottle.
  • Can I use Daconil® on my lawn?
    Daconil® is not labeled for lawn applications and should only be applied according to the label directions.
  • Can I use Daconil® on my houseplants?
    Daconil can be used on houseplants. The plants should be taken outside to be sprayed. Allow the spray to dry before bringing the plants back indoors. See the product label for a complete list of all plant diseases controlled by Daconil. We recommend checking the product label to confirm your plant and disease before applying Daconil.
  • Once I apply Daconil®, how long do I have to wait to eat my treated fruits and vegetables?
    Inside the Daconil® label on the back label on the bottle, the pre-harvest interval is listed for all of the treatable plants. Find your vegetable or fruit in the list, then look to the far right of the page and you will see the listed pre-harvest intervals.
  • What are Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI) and why are they important?
    A pre-harvest interval (PHI) is the minimum number of days you should wait before harvesting your fruits or vegetables after applying Daconil®. The PHI is the number of days needed for the environment to metabolize and break down the product before the harvest of your edibles. You should always check the PHI on the product label and follow the instructions carefully.
  • How do I need to store Daconil®?
    When storing any Daconil® product, follow these guidelines:
    • As with any chemical, you need to store Daconil® products out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked storage area.
    • Keep Daconil® products away from any heat sources, such as a heater or dryer, to prevent heating and melting of the container.
    • Store the products in a cool, dry place.
    • If the product is exposed to freezing or elevated temperatures for an extended period of time, do not use the product again. We do not guarantee that the product will work because of the alteration of the chemical due to the extreme temperature changes.
    • Store Daconil® products in its original container or packaging.
  • Can Daconil® be used around pets?
    When Daconil Ready-to-Use is applied according the label directions, people and pets can re-enter the treated area after sprays have dried.
  • What is RootBoost™?
    RootBoost™ stimulates root development, encourages uniform root growth and helps listed plant cuttings root more easily.
  • Where can I get more information about using RootBoost™?
    Please visit this article on simple cuttings and plant propagation.
  • How is RootBoost™ packaged and sold?
    RootBoost™ is available in a 2-ounce plastic container.
  • Can I dip the cutting directly into the jar/packet of RootBoost™?
    When taking cuttings, you should pour out a small amount onto a paper plate or something that you will throw away when you’re done, then dip the cutting into the RootBoost™ on the plate. This will eliminate the possibility of contaminating the RootBoost™ inside the container.
  • Can RootBoost™ be used on established plants?
    RootBoost™ is specifically formulated to be used only on cuttings. It has no effect on established plants.
  • How long will it take my cuttings to root?
    Rooting can take 3–5 weeks, depending on the plant species.
  • Can I mix RootBoost™ with water?
    No, RootBoost™ is not meant to be mixed with water and doing so will dilute the product and its effectiveness.
  • Can I use RootBoost™ on vegetable or fruit cuttings?
    No, RootBoost™ is only made to be used on ornamental plants.
  • The directions state to use a rooting medium. What is rooting medium?
    Rooting medium provides physical support, water and oxygen. Many types of rooting medium is available. The most common are sand, perlite, peat, vermiculite or a mixture of these four. Potting soil and a commercial soilless mix are also available at most retailers. Water is not recommended to use as a rooting medium. The medium should be free of weeds and disease, and moist before inserting the cuttings.
  • The directions tell me to cover at least one node. What is a node?
    Leaves, buds, and branches originate from the stem at specific locations, called nodes. These areas are often slightly swollen. Multiple plant structures may originate from a single node. Each plant may have several nodes.
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