What Insects Does Acephate Kill?

Acephate kills a broad range of insects, including aphids, thrips, whiteflies, beetles, armyworms, leafminers, stink bugs, fire ants, cockroaches, crickets, and mealybugs. It is effective on both chewing and sucking pests in crops, turf, and structural areas.

Why Use Acephate for Insect Control?

Insect pressure in modern agriculture and turf management continues to threaten productivity, plant health, and long-term sustainability. When you’re managing large-scale crop systems, commercial turf, or professional landscape maintenance, choosing an insecticide that offers both broad-spectrum efficacy and systemic protection becomes essential. This is where Acephate, an organophosphate insecticide, stands out as a reliable solution.

Acephate has been widely adopted due to its rapid knockdown, long-lasting residual action, and excellent systemic movement through plant tissue. Whether you’re dealing with chewing pests like armyworms or sucking insects like aphids and whiteflies, Acephate provides effective control across multiple pest classes. It is formulated to be absorbed through both roots and foliage, offering translaminar and systemic activity that targets insects even when they hide in hard-to-reach feeding zones.

This makes Acephate a preferred choice for:

• Row crop producers seeking protection against complex insect infestations
• Turf managers aiming to maintain aesthetic and functional integrity of golf courses or sports fields
• Horticultural operations requiring broad pest coverage in greenhouse or nursery settings
• Pest control professionals managing ants, roaches, and other structural pests

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down what insects Acephate kills, its mechanism of action, applicable use cases, formulations, application best practices, and why it remains a strategic tool in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

How Acephate Works – Mode of Action Explained

Acephate operates as a systemic organophosphate insecticide, targeting a wide spectrum of insects by interfering with their nervous system. Specifically, it functions as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. This mode of action disrupts the breakdown of acetylcholine at synaptic junctions, leading to continuous nerve signal transmission, paralysis, and ultimately, death of the insect.

What sets Acephate apart is its systemic mobility—once absorbed by the plant through leaves or roots, it is translocated throughout the vascular system. This means insects feeding on any part of the treated plant will ingest the active ingredient, even if they are concealed within foliage or feeding on new growth.

This systemic property makes Acephate especially valuable for controlling sucking insects like aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and thrips—pests that are often difficult to reach with contact-only insecticides. Additionally, Acephate retains moderate contact activity, allowing it to provide knockdown control against chewing pests such as caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers.

For professional users asking “what insects does acephate kill?”, the answer spans across:

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Thrips
• Leafminers
• Loopers
• Beetles
• Armyworms
• Cutworms
• Leafhoppers
• Mealybugs
• Stink bugs
• Ants and roaches in structural settings

These characteristics make Acephate a versatile tool in both field agriculture and urban pest control, offering residual protection and reduced reinfestation pressure when integrated into a planned rotation program.

Target Pests – What Insects Does Acephate Kill?

Acephate is widely recognized for its broad-spectrum efficacy against both sucking and chewing insects, making it a preferred active ingredient across diverse cropping systems and pest control programs. Whether applied in agricultural fields, turfgrass management, or public health pest abatement, Acephate provides rapid knockdown and extended residual activity.

Here is a detailed overview of the key pests that Acephate kills across various sectors:

1. Field Crops & Row Crops

Acephate is highly effective in protecting major crops such as cotton, soybean, corn, rice, and tobacco. It controls pests that cause both direct feeding damage and virus transmission.

• Aphids – major vectors of plant viruses; Acephate provides rapid control.
• Armyworms – including fall armyworm and beet armyworm.
• Cutworms – especially damaging in seedling stages.
• Leafhoppers – known to transmit phytoplasmas and stunt diseases.
• Thrips – frequent vectors of tospoviruses.
• Stink bugs – which damage pods and kernels, reducing market quality.
• Grasshoppers – chewing insects causing significant foliar loss.
• Loopers – such as soybean looper and cabbage looper.

2. Horticultural and Vegetable Crops

For crops like tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce, bell peppers, and eggplants, Acephate plays a key role in integrated pest management.

• Whiteflies – especially Bemisia tabaci in protected cultivation.
• Mealybugs – difficult-to-control pests in fruiting vegetables.
• Cabbage worms and budworms – infesting cole crops and solanaceous plants.
• Flea beetles – impacting young seedlings of leafy greens.

3. Tree Fruit, Nuts, and Vineyards

Acephate contributes to pest suppression in orchard crops when systemic and residual protection is essential.

• Leafminers – citrus and apple leafminers in young flushes.
• Psyllids – potential vectors of serious diseases (e.g., citrus greening).
• Scale crawlers – including soft scale infestations.

4. Turfgrass and Ornamentals

In turf applications such as golf courses, sod farms, and landscapes, Acephate helps control pests that compromise root systems and turf appearance.

• Chinch bugs
• Cutworms
• Sod webworms
• Mole crickets (in some geographies)

5. Structural and Urban Pests

Acephate also has proven utility in non-agricultural settings, especially where residual indoor/outdoor control is desired.

• Cockroaches
• Ants – including fire ants, one of the few species effectively controlled with Acephate baits and drenches.
• Earwigs, silverfish, crickets, and pillbugs in household settings.
• Wasps – in nesting areas when applied carefully.

Application Methods & Recommended Use Rates

Acephate offers flexible application options that can be adapted across crops, pest types, and operational settings. Its systemic activity allows for both foliar and soil-based uptake, making it highly versatile for integrated pest control programs. The application method and dosage vary depending on the target insect, crop type, and local environmental conditions.

1. Foliar Spray Application

The most common application method, suitable for managing pests on leaves, stems, and flowers.

• Recommended Rate: 375–750 g active ingredient per hectare (depending on crop and pest severity)
• Common Uses: Control of aphids, thrips, whiteflies, stink bugs, leafhoppers, and caterpillars on row crops, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals
• Application Tips:
  • Ensure full coverage of the foliage
  • Apply during early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation
  • Reapply after heavy rainfall if necessary

2. Soil Drench or Granular Application

Used primarily for systemic uptake through the roots, especially for sucking pests or soil-dwelling larvae.

• Recommended Rate:
  • Granular: 1.5–2.5 kg per hectare
  • Drench solution: Mix 1–2 g/L for nursery or potted crops
• Common Uses:
  • Fire ant mound treatment
  • White grub or mole cricket control in turf
  • Mealybug and aphid control in greenhouse settings

3. Seedling or Transplant Treatment

Acephate can be applied as a pre-plant dip or drench during seedling production to protect against early-stage pests.

• Recommended Rate: 0.5–1.5 g/L in transplant trays
• Benefits:
  • Early-stage protection against aphids, thrips, leafminers
  • Reduced pest pressure during crop establishment

4. Fire Ant Bait and Mound Treatment

Acephate is one of the few active ingredients approved for direct fire ant mound treatments, often in granular or dust formulation.

• Recommended Rate:
  • 5–10 g per mound as dust or drenched with 4 L of water
• Effectiveness: Rapid knockdown within 24–48 hours, with colony decline in 3–5 days

5. Greenhouse and Protected Cultivation

Due to its systemic properties and high solubility, Acephate is favored in controlled environments.

• Recommended Rate:
  • 0.75–1.5 g/L spray
  • Repeat every 10–14 days if pest pressure persists
• Suitable For:
  • Tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, ornamental foliage

Application best practices:

• Rotate Acephate with different modes of action to avoid resistance buildup.
• Follow all local regulatory guidelines and pre-harvest intervals (PHI).
• Calibrate equipment to ensure uniform coverage and avoid overdosing.
• Avoid drift during application to protect beneficial insects and surrounding areas.

Compatibility, Resistance Management & Integrated Programs

Acephate is widely valued for its adaptability in tank mixes and its role in delaying resistance when used in coordinated pest control strategies. However, its broad-spectrum activity and systemic nature also demand responsible use to maintain long-term efficacy and environmental safety.

1. Tank Mix Compatibility

Acephate is generally compatible with most fungicides, insecticides, miticides, and foliar fertilizers used in field and greenhouse conditions. It blends well with other systemic or contact formulations, making it an excellent tool for co-applications during critical pest pressure periods.

• Common Compatible Partners:
  • Pyrethroids (e.g., cypermethrin) for rapid knockdown
  • Fungicides (e.g., mancozeb, azoxystrobin) during disease-pressure windows
  • Surfactants or adjuvants to enhance foliar uptake
• Mixing Guidelines:
  • Perform a small-scale jar test before full tank mix
  • Always follow label order: water → dispersible granules → WP → SC → SL/EC → surfactants last
  • Avoid mixing with strongly alkaline or high-pH products which may degrade acephate

2. Resistance Management Considerations

Because acephate is an organophosphate (Group 1B insecticide), overreliance can lead to pest resistance over time, especially in species with short life cycles like aphids and thrips.

• Best Practices:
  • Rotate with different MOA groups (e.g., neonicotinoids, diamides, pyrethroids)
  • Do not exceed two sequential applications per season
  • Use threshold-based spraying, not calendar-based schedules
  • Combine with biological control agents and cultural practices where feasible
• Known Resistance Risks:
  • Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae)
  • Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
  • Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)

3. Role in IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

Acephate plays a significant role in IPM strategies by providing quick control of outbreaks, especially during the early phases of infestation. Its systemic action complements scouting-based decisions, especially when paired with non-chemical practices.

• How Acephate Integrates with IPM:
  • Curative intervention when pest counts exceed thresholds
  • Bridging strategy while waiting for biological agents to establish
  • Works well in crop rotation systems where pests migrate between fields
  • Compatible with pheromone trapping, sticky cards, and natural enemy conservation
• Recommended Crops for IPM Use:
  • Cotton, soybean, rice, and corn (early-season aphid and armyworm pressure)
  • Vegetables and brassicas (whitefly and thrips control)
  • Turfgrass and nurseries (ant and surface-feeding insect management)

Using Acephate wisely—by ensuring proper mixing, rotating with other MOAs, and integrating it into a broader IPM program—can help maximize its lifespan as a reliable solution in your pest control toolbox. Its compatibility with other inputs and utility in high-pressure situations make it indispensable, but only when used with strategic foresight and agronomic discipline.

Environmental Impact, Safety, and Regulatory Profile

Acephate, while highly effective against a broad spectrum of insect pests, must be handled with care due to its systemic nature and organophosphate chemistry. Understanding its ecotoxicology, human exposure risks, and regulatory classification is essential for safe and responsible use.

1. Environmental Behavior and Ecotoxicology

Acephate is water-soluble and mobile in soil, meaning it can potentially leach into groundwater if misused or over-applied. Its half-life in soil varies between 3–6 days under aerobic conditions but can extend in anaerobic or poorly drained environments.

• Aquatic Toxicity:
  • Toxic to fish and amphibians—runoff from treated fields into water bodies must be strictly avoided.
  • Potential hazard to aquatic invertebrates, especially in rice paddies or turf systems near drainage ditches.
• Non-Target Insects:
  • Harmful to pollinators, particularly honeybees, if applied during blooming periods.
  • Should not be sprayed when bees are actively foraging, and buffer zones are recommended in sensitive ecosystems.
• Soil Microbial Activity:
  • May temporarily reduce beneficial microbial populations in high doses.
  • Proper application practices generally allow for recovery without long-term soil health impact.

2. Human Safety and Handling Guidelines

Acephate is classified as moderately toxic (Category II) by the WHO and EPA toxicity class II–III depending on formulation. Both oral and dermal exposure pose risks, making PPE (personal protective equipment) essential.

• Key Safety Measures:
  • Wear gloves, long-sleeved clothing, eye protection, and chemical-resistant boots.
  • Avoid inhalation of dust or vapor during mixing and spraying.
  • Follow re-entry interval (REI) guidelines—typically 24 hours, unless otherwise stated on product labels.
• First Aid Notes:
  • In case of ingestion or poisoning symptoms (nausea, headache, dizziness), seek immediate medical attention.
  • Acephate is a cholinesterase inhibitor, so it may require treatment with atropine sulfate under clinical supervision.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Residue Tolerances

Acephate is registered for agricultural use in many global markets, but residue management and MRLs (maximum residue limits) must be respected to ensure export eligibility and domestic food safety.

• Regulatory Status:
  • Approved by EPA (USA), ICAMA (China), PMRA (Canada), and many other jurisdictions.
  • Subject to REACH, GHS, and local pesticide laws in regions like the EU and MENA countries.
• Residue Management:
  • Observe PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval) based on crop type—generally ranges from 7 to 21 days.
  • Regular field residue testing may be required for compliance with import/export market standards.
• Label Compliance:
  • All applications must follow country-specific label instructions, especially regarding buffer zones, dilution rates, and drift management.

Acephate delivers exceptional pest control when applied properly, but its environmental and toxicological profile requires professional handling. For importers, distributors, and applicators, compliance with safety protocols and regulatory thresholds is essential not only for legal operation but also for sustainable long-term use. With the correct stewardship, Acephate remains a valuable component of integrated crop protection programs.

Specific Pest Questions About Acephate – Answers to Common Queries

Does Acephate Kill Bed Bugs?

Acephate is not typically recommended for bed bug control. While it is a powerful systemic insecticide against many agricultural and structural pests, bed bugs require specific contact and residual treatments such as pyrethroids or neonicotinoids. Acephate does not deliver the targeted, indoor residual action needed to fully eradicate bed bug infestations in living spaces.

Does Acephate Kill Roaches? Will Acephate Kill Roaches?

Yes, acephate is effective against cockroaches. It disrupts the insect’s nervous system, leading to paralysis and death. It can be used in perimeter spray applications or as part of bait formulations in professional pest control, especially in industrial and commercial areas. However, for home indoor use, localized cockroach gel baits may be more suitable due to safety considerations.

How Does Acephate Kill Ants?

Acephate kills ants by acting as a cholinesterase inhibitor, disrupting their nervous system function. It can be applied as a mound drench, bait treatment, or soil surface spray. Ants ingest the compound when feeding on treated material or via trophallaxis (sharing food), allowing acephate to eliminate the colony from within, including the queen.

How Does Acephate Kill Fire Ants?

Acephate is highly effective against imported fire ants. It is usually applied directly to the mound or used in granular bait formulations. Once ingested, it causes neuromuscular failure and death in the ants. Because of its systemic action, it ensures that the toxicant is spread within the colony, achieving deep colony penetration and sustained suppression.

Hi-Yield Fire Ant Control with Acephate Near Me

Products like Hi-Yield Fire Ant Control with acephate (commonly containing 75% acephate in powder form) are widely used in turf, pastures, and landscape areas. While availability may vary, POMAIS provides bulk acephate formulations suitable for private labeling or large-scale distribution in regions with heavy fire ant infestations. Contact our team for sourcing options or OEM/ODM packaging services.

POMAIS Manufacturing & Customization Capabilities

As a professional agrochemical manufacturer and supplier, POMAIS provides high-quality acephate-based insecticides tailored for global agricultural markets. Whether you’re a distributor, importer, or private label brand, we support your growth with end-to-end production services, strict quality assurance, and full customization flexibility.

1. High-Purity Acephate Formulations

We produce multiple grades and formulations of acephate to serve different market needs, including:

• Acephate 75% SP – widely accepted for foliar spraying in vegetables, cotton, and rice.
• Acephate 97% WDG – premium water-dispersible granule for large-scale applications.
• Acephate 40% SL – liquid formulation for public health pest control and lawn care.
• Custom blends available for fire ant control, greenhouse pests, and IPM programs.

All raw materials are screened for active ingredient purity, and final batches are tested with HPLC and GC systems to guarantee performance and compliance.

2. OEM/ODM Labeling & Packaging Services

Our packaging and branding services are designed to help you build a recognizable product line with regulatory-ready documentation. Options include:

• Private label branding with multi-language support
• Custom bottle, sachet, and drum sizes (50g to 200L)
• Anti-counterfeit labeling, QR traceability, and tamper-proof closures
• Compliance-ready designs per FAO, GHS, and local pesticide labeling standards

We can also offer regulatory registration support including ICAMA dossiers, MSDS, COA, and bio-efficacy trial summaries.

3. Precision Manufacturing & Quality Control

All acephate products are manufactured in ISO 9001:2015 and GMP-certified facilities, supported by:

• Automated formulation and filling lines
• Batch tracking from raw material to dispatch
• In-house quality control labs for pre-shipment testing
• SGS/Eurofins verification upon request

This ensures consistency, product stability, and traceability from production to port.

4. Global Logistics & Delivery Performance

POMAIS has a strong export network with reliable door-to-door or port-to-port services for key markets including:

• Middle East, Central Asia, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia
• Flexible Incoterms: FOB, CIF, DDP
• Average lead time: 10–15 working days
• Customs clearance support and country-specific documentation

We ensure a 99% on-time delivery rate, helping you minimize inventory risks and meet tight agricultural calendars.

By choosing POMAIS as your acephate supplier, you gain more than just a product—you gain a reliable manufacturing partner with the flexibility, precision, and global expertise to support your brand’s expansion.

Ready to launch your own acephate line or explore bulk purchasing options? Let’s make your brand stand out in the agrochemical market.

Work with POMAIS for Acephate Supply

If you are seeking a trusted supplier for high-quality acephate insecticides with reliable performance, strong regulatory backing, and scalable OEM/ODM support, POMAIS is your ideal manufacturing partner.

We serve a wide range of B2B clients across agriculture, pest control, and public health sectors, helping them:

• Launch new products under their own brand
• Expand into new regional markets with compliance-ready documentation
• Secure consistent supply with short lead times and global logistics support
• Build long-term relationships with a factory that understands product integrity, market timing, and customer success

Whether you need bulk technical grade acephate, custom-labeled retail packaging, or expert assistance with product registration, our team is ready to support your goals with professional service and technical know-how.

Let’s discuss your needs and customize your acephate solution today.