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Merit Insecticide (Imidacloprid)
- Relatively new, broad-spectrum insecticide -
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Summary: Imidacloprid is the active ingredient in Merit Insecticide and Bayer Advanced insecticides, and others. It is a synthetic, broad-spectum, and relatively low toxicity insecticide.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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What is imidacloprid?
 Imidacloprid is the active ingredient in Merit Insecticide and in the Bayer Advanced branded insecticides that are intended for the homeowner market (see below). Imidacloprid is also the active ingredient in Advantage Flea Control and many agricultural insecticides. The chemical structure of imidacloprid (right) is a synthetic analog of nicotine, the natural alkaloid found in the leaves of tobacco and related plants.
Imidacloprid is a very effective, broad spectrum, water soluble** insecticide for use against soil insect pests such as white grubs, crane fly, mole crickets and lawn moths (sod webworm). Some formulations are also available for ornamental pests such as aphids, scales insects and thrips.
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chemical structure of imidacloprid, the active ingredient in Merit Insecticide. Drawing from Wikipedia.
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** Because imidacloprid is soluble in water it is easily taken up through plant roots, leaves and stems and moved throughout plants where it controls plant-feeding insects. Imidacloprid is sometimes misspelled imadacloprid.
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Using imidacloprid
Compared to many older synthetic pesticides imidacloprid is only moderately toxic to mammals, including humans. It is, however, highly toxic to other "non-target" and beneficial insect species so, as always, care should be taken to avoid misapplication.
There are two product lines based on the active ingredient imidacloprid that are marketed to farmers, landscapers and home gardeners. Merit Insecticide is the commercial or agricultural line while Bayer Advanced is the homeowner product line. Within these two broad product lines there are many different formulations and package sizes.
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Generally, products with the Merit label have a higher active ingredient concentration while the Bayer Advanced packaging is smaller with a lower active ingredient concentration. Bayer Advanced products may contain active ingredients other than imidacloprid as well.
Merit 2F Specimen Label (pdf file)
A specimen label is the official product label that contains all of the information required for registration in the US and instructions for use. Use this label only for general use information. There are many different formulations and products of Merit and imidacloprid. Follow label instructions for the product you are using.
Imidacloprid Factsheet (pdf file)
The National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN) factsheet for the active ingredient in Merit.
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Recently, concerns have been raised over a possible connection between neonicotinoid insecticides like imidacloprid, and a decline in honey bees called colony collapse disorder (CCD). Scientists are now engaged in studies to find the cause of CCD and determine if a link exists. You should limit the use of all insecticides to situations where they are really needed but be especially cautious when using imidacloprid until we know more.
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