What type of pesticide needs a wetting agent and agitation for effective mixing?

A wettable powder formulation requires a wetting agent and constant agitation for effective mixing. Wettable powders are typically made up of solid particles that must be suspended in water to create a uniform spray solution. The addition of a wetting agent helps reduce the surface tension of the water, allowing the particles to disperse more readily and preventing them from settling at the bottom of the spray tank.

Agitation is also critical in this process, as it ensures that the wettable powder remains evenly mixed throughout the solution. Without adequate agitation, the particles can clump together or settle, leading to uneven application and reduced effectiveness in pest control.

In contrast, other formulations have different mixing requirements. For example, ULV (Ultra Low Volume) or ULD (Ultra Low Dose) formulations are designed to be applied without the need for a significant volume of water and typically do not require a wetting agent. Granules are solid formulations that can be spread without mixing into water and do not need a wetting agent. Emulsifiable concentrates mix in oils rather than requiring a wetting agent for water-based solutions, bringing a different set of application guidelines.