{"id":530,"date":"2026-09-30T23:41:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T22:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/?p=530"},"modified":"2026-09-30T23:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T22:47:19","slug":"silicone-based-insecticides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/silicone-based-insecticides\/","title":{"rendered":"Silicone-based insecticides: how they work against insects and mites"},"content":{"rendered":"

Silicone-based insecticides are increasingly used in agriculture and horticulture to help control aphids, whiteflies, thrips, scale insects, and spider mites.
\nUnlike conventional insecticides that target specific biochemical processes, these products act primarily through a physical mechanism. After spraying, silicone polymers form a thin film or microscopic network that comes into contact with the pest, restricting its movement or interfering with essential biological functions.
\nSome formulations are marketed as physical pest control products rather than conventional insecticides. However, their regulatory classification and authorized uses vary between countries.
\nSilicone-based pest control products should not be confused with silicon fertilizers or conventional silicone-based spray adjuvants.<\/p>\n

Key point: Silicone polymers can provide effective physical control of certain insects and mites, but their performance depends heavily on direct contact and thorough spray coverage. Their registration status, approved uses, application rates, and safety precautions must always be verified on the product label.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Silicon vs. silicone vs. spray adjuvants: what is the difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The terms silicon and silicone are sometimes used interchangeably in agricultural marketing, but they refer to different materials and applications.
\nIn crop production, three main categories should be distinguished.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product category<\/th>\nFunction and characteristics<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Nutritional silicon products<\/td>\nContain silicates, orthosilicic acid, or other sources of plant-available silicon. They are used to support plant development, tissue strength, and tolerance to certain environmental stresses. They are not designed for direct insect control.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Organosilicone spray adjuvants<\/td>\nOften contain modified trisiloxanes. They improve spray spreading, wetting, and coverage, but are not automatically intended to kill insects or mites.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Silicone polymers for physical pest control<\/td>\nContain silicone or siloxane polymers and other formulation ingredients. They can form a film or microscopic network that physically affects insects and mites through direct contact.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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Trisiloxane organosilicone wetting agent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This article focuses primarily on the third category: silicone-based products specifically developed for physical pest management.
\nThe presence of silicon or silicone in a formulation does not, by itself, determine its biological activity or regulatory classification.<\/p>\n

How do silicone-based insecticides work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Silicone polymer formulations must reach the target pest directly to achieve satisfactory control.
\nFollowing application and drying, certain formulations create a thin, adhesive structure on the plant surface and on the bodies of insects or mites.
\nDepending on the formulation, this physical action can:<\/p>\n