| Common name (Example trade name) | Mode of Action1 | Selectivity2 (affected groups) | Predatory mites3 | General predators4 | Parasites4 | Honey bees5 | Duration of impact to natural enemies6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| abamectin (Agri-Mek) | 6 | moderate (mites, leafminers) | H | L | M/H | I | long to predatory mites and affected insects |
| acephate (Orthene) | 1B | broad (insects, mites) | H | H | M/H | I | intermediate |
| acetamiprid (Assail) | 4A | broad (insects) | —7 | —8 | M | II | moderate |
| azadirachtin (AZA-Direct, Neemix) | un | broad (insects, mites) | M | L/M | L/M | II | short |
| Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai | 11A | narrow (caterpillars) | L | L | L | II | short |
| cyromazine (Trigard) | 17 | narrow (leafminers) | L | L | L | II | none |
| imidacloprid (Admire) | 4A | narrow (sucking insects, beet armyworm, cutworms) | — | L | — | I | — |
| insecticidal soap (M-Pede) | un | broad (exposed insects, mites) | M | M | M | III | short |
| malathion (EC) | 1B | broad (insects, mites) | M | H | H | I | moderate |
| methomyl (Lannate) | 1A | broad (insects, mites) | H | H | H | I | moderate |
| methoxyfenozide (Intrepid) | 18 | narrow (caterpillars) | L | L | L | II | short |
| oxamyl (Vydate) | 1A | broad (insects, mites) | H | H | H | I | moderate |
| permethrin (Ambush, Pounce) | 3A | broad (insects, mites) | L | H | H | I | long |
| petroleum oil | un | broad (exposed insects, mites) | L9 | L | L | II | short |
| pymetrozine (Fulfill) | 9B | narrow (aphids, whiteflies) | L | L | L | II | short |
| spinetoram (Radiant) | 5 | narrow (caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, aphids, scales, leafminers) | L | M10 | L/M | II | moderate11 |
| spinosad (Entrust, Success) | 5 | narrow (caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, aphids, scales, leafminers) | L | M10 | L/M | II | short to moderate10 |
| tebufenozide (Confirm) | 18 | narrow (caterpillars) | L | L | L | II | short |
| zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang) | 3A | broad (insects, mites) | H | M | M | I | moderate |
| H = high M = moderate L = low — = no information un = unknown or uncertain mode of action | |
| 1 | Group numbers for insecticides and miticides are assigned by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC). Rotate pesticides with a different mode-of-action group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a group number of 1B; insecticides with a 1B group number should be alternated with insecticides that have a group number other than 1B. |
| 2 | Selectivity: broad means it affects most groups of insects and mites; narrow means it affects only a few specific groups. |
| 3 | Generally, toxicities are to western predatory mite, Galendromus occidentalis. Where differences have been measured in toxicity of the pesticide-resistant strain versus the native strain, these are listed as pesticide-resistant strain/native strain. |
| 4 | Toxicities are averages of reported effects and should be used only as a general guide. Actual toxicity of a specific chemical depends on the species of predator or parasite, environmental conditions, and application rate. |
| 5 | Ratings are as follows: I–Do not apply or allow to drift to plants that are flowering; II—Do not apply or allow to drift to plants that are flowering, except when the application is made between sunset and midnight if allowed by the pesticide label and regulations; III—No bee precaution, except when required by the pesticide label or regulations. For information about pesticide synergistic effects, see Bee Precaution Pesticide Ratings. |
| 6 | Duration: short means hours to days; moderate means days to 2 weeks; and long means many weeks or months. |
| 7 | May cause flare-ups of spider mite populations. |
| 8 | Acute toxicity low but reproductive capacity is impacted. |
| 9 | Rating depends on rate used. |
| 10 | Toxic against some natural enemies (predatory thrips, syrphid fly and lacewing larvae, beetles) when sprayed and up to 5-7 days after, especially for syrphid fly larvae. |
| 11 | Residual is moderate if solution is between pH of 7 to 8. |
Acknowledgements: This table was compiled based on research data and experience of University of California scientists who work on a variety of crops and contribute to the Pest Management Guideline database, and from Flint, M. L. and S. H. Dreistadt. 1998. Natural Enemies Handbook: An Illustrated Guide to Biological Pest Control, ANR Publication 3386.