Zylam Liquid Systemic Insecticide is a widely used pest control product in agricultural and ornamental plant management. Known for its fast action and systemic movement through plant tissues, this insecticide is especially effective against a variety of chewing and sucking insects. Understanding the product label is essential for safe, effective application and ensuring compliance with local pesticide regulations. Whether you are managing landscape trees, shrubs, or commercial crops, knowing how to interpret and use the Zylam Liquid Systemic Insecticide label correctly helps maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
Product Overview
Zylam Liquid Systemic Insecticide is manufactured for professional use in controlling insect infestations in trees, shrubs, and other ornamental plants. It contains the active ingredient dinotefuran, a neonicotinoid compound that disrupts the nervous system of insects. The product is designed for systemic absorption, meaning it moves within the plant to target pests that feed on leaves, stems, or sap.
Key Features
- Fast-acting systemic control
- Effective against a broad spectrum of insect pests
- Flexible application methods (soil drench, foliar spray, trunk injection)
- Low odor and non-staining formulation
Active Ingredient and Mode of Action
The label specifies that the active ingredient in Zylam is dinotefuran, at a concentration of approximately 10% by weight. Dinotefuran is part of the neonicotinoid class, targeting the insect central nervous system. When insects ingest or come into contact with treated plant tissues, the compound binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing paralysis and death.
Advantages of Dinotefuran
- Quick uptake by plant roots or foliage
- Effective on both contact and ingestion
- Long-lasting residual activity within plant tissues
Pests Controlled According to the Label
The Zylam Liquid Systemic Insecticide label lists a wide range of insects it effectively controls. This includes pests commonly found in residential landscapes and commercial ornamental settings.
Common Target Pests
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Leafhoppers
- Thrips
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Japanese beetles (adults)
- Lace bugs
- Emerald ash borer (when used preventively)
By using the label as a reference, applicators can determine the appropriate rate and method for each pest and plant type.
Application Methods
The label provides detailed guidance for multiple application methods, allowing flexibility depending on the plant size, pest pressure, and environmental considerations.
Soil Drench
This method involves mixing Zylam with water and applying it to the soil at the base of the plant. It is ideal for systemic uptake through roots.
- Recommended for trees and large shrubs
- Requires watering in after application
- Provides long-lasting protection (up to several weeks)
Foliar Spray
Spraying directly onto the leaves allows for immediate contact with pests. It is effective for rapid knockdown of visible infestations.
- Apply when pests are actively feeding
- Use sufficient volume to ensure good coverage
- Avoid drift and runoff
Trunk Injection
This specialized method delivers Zylam directly into the vascular system of a tree.
- Used for high-value or large trees
- Best for control of borers and other internal pests
- Requires proper equipment and training
Mixing and Application Rates
The label includes precise dilution and dosage rates depending on application method, plant size, and pest type. Misapplication can lead to poor results or environmental harm.
Guidelines to Follow
- Always read the full label before mixing
- Use calibrated equipment to ensure accuracy
- Do not exceed the maximum allowed amount per acre or per tree
For example, when applying as a soil drench, the label might instruct a rate of 0.6 to 1.2 fl. oz. per inch of trunk diameter at breast height (DBH). For foliar sprays, mix 1.5 fl. oz. per gallon of water, depending on target pests.
Environmental and Safety Precautions
Like all pesticides, Zylam Liquid Systemic Insecticide carries risks if not used properly. The product label outlines safety precautions to protect applicators, non-target organisms, and the environment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Protective eyewear
- Respiratory protection (if indicated on the label)
Environmental Considerations
- Do not apply near open water bodies or where runoff is likely
- Highly toxic to bees avoid application during bloom or when pollinators are active
- Do not apply to edible crops unless specifically labeled for such use
Complying with the label’s environmental warnings helps reduce harm to beneficial insects and surrounding ecosystems.
Storage and Disposal
Proper storage and disposal are essential to maintain product integrity and prevent contamination. The Zylam label offers detailed instructions.
Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Keep away from food, feed, and drinking water
Disposal Instructions
- Do not reuse containers
- Triple rinse containers and dispose of according to local regulations
- Unused product should be disposed of at approved waste disposal facilities
Legal and Label Compliance
It is a violation of federal law to use any pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. Users are legally bound to follow all directions, restrictions, and precautions found on the Zylam Liquid Systemic Insecticide label.
Label Essentials
- Read the entire label before use
- Do not exceed recommended dosages
- Observe all re-entry intervals and pre-harvest intervals if applicable
State-specific regulations may also apply, and it’s important to check local guidelines before applying the product.
The Zylam Liquid Systemic Insecticide label is more than just a formality it’s a comprehensive guide that ensures safe, legal, and effective use of a powerful pest control tool. With its systemic action, broad-spectrum efficacy, and flexible application options, Zylam offers reliable protection for trees and ornamental plants. However, success depends on reading and following the label carefully. When used responsibly, this product can play a key role in integrated pest management programs across a wide range of settings, from home landscapes to professional arboriculture.