aggressive herbicides Archives - Rigo Pest Prevention

Pre-emergent herbicides refer to a class of herbicides designed to stop weeds before they sprout above the ground. These products target seeds during germination, killing the new growth before it breaks through the soil surface. Pre-emergent herbicides vary in formulation from natural to synthetic, with differing levels of aggressiveness. Rigo Pest offers different choices to our clients, so we thought we should discuss the options. Here's a breakdown from the 'most natural' options to the 'most aggressive synthetic' chemicals. **1. Natural & Organic Pre-Emergents** - **Corn Gluten Meal (CGM)** - *Brands:* Espoma Organic Weed Preventer, Concern Weed Prevention Plus - *How CGM works:* Prevents seed germination by drying out emerging roots. - *Best for:* Lawns, garden beds, and non-toxic weed prevention. - *Limitations:* Less effective in desert soils; requires multiple applications. **2. Mild Synthetic (Low Environmental Impact)** - **Dithiopyr (Dimension)** - *Brands:* Dimension 2EW, Bonide Crabgrass Preventer - *How it works:* Targets annual grassy and broadleaf weeds, preventing root establishment. - *Best for:* Lawns, gravel driveways, and xeriscapes. - *Limitations:* More effective in cool-season applications (late winter). - **Isoxaben (Gallery)** - *Brands:* Gallery 75DF, Quali-Pro Isoxaben 75WDG - *How it works:* Stops broadleaf weed seedlings from emerging. - *Best for:* Landscapes, ornamental beds, and drip-irrigated areas. - *Limitations:* Less effective against grassy weeds. **3. Moderate Synthetic (Long-Lasting Control)** - **Prodiamine (Barricade)** - *Brands:* Barricade 65WG, The Andersons Pre-Emergent Weed Control - *How it works:* Creates a long-lasting soil barrier to prevent weed germination. - *Best for:* Lawns, desert landscaping, driveways. - *Limitations:* Requires proper watering after application to activate. - **Pendimethalin (Pendulum)** - *Brands:* Pendulum AquaCap, Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer - *How it works:* Inhibits cell division in germinating seeds. - *Best for:* Large areas needing long-term weed suppression. - *Limitations:* Can stain surfaces and requires precise application. **4. Aggressive Synthetic (Strongest & Longest-Lasting)** - **Indaziflam (Specticle)** - *Brands:* Specticle FLO, Rezilon - *How it works:* Blocks root development for months. - *Best for:* Industrial sites, non-selective applications, gravel landscapes. - *Limitations:* Strong residual effect; avoid near desirable plants. - **Imazapyr (Arsenal, Habitat)** - *Brands:* Arsenal, Habitat, Polaris - *How it works:* Kills weeds before and after germination, with long soil persistence. - *Best for:* Invasive species control, utility areas, roadways. - *Limitations:* Can kill trees and shrubs if misapplied; not for residential use. There you have your options. We tested all these products, and they do a good job in their own way. We tend to go for the most natural or the mildest, but the mild product range is not adapted to all situations. Context matters. Call Rigo Pest to inquire about our weed control service and the products we use.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides: From “Natural” to “Aggressive”