The primary purpose of diluting insecticide concentrates is to decouple the volume of the liquid from the dosage of the active ingredient. This process creates an aqueous emulsion that allows for precise dosage control—specifically targeting a range of 240mg to 960mg per insert—while simultaneously altering the physical properties of the solution to optimize absorption.
Dilution is the critical control point that balances potency with safety. By using water as a delivery vehicle, the process ensures the active ingredient permeates the carrier matrix uniformly, preventing localized toxic concentrations that could prove fatal to honeybees.
The Mechanics of Carrier Impregnation
Achieving Precise Dosage
The raw insecticide concentrate is often too potent to apply directly. Diluting it allows manufacturers to expand the total volume of liquid without increasing the amount of active chemical.
This volume expansion is essential for process control. It enables the precise deposition of the target active ingredient load—typically between 240mg and 960mg per insert—which would be mechanically difficult to measure using undiluted concentrates.
Enhancing Permeability
The physical interaction between the liquid and the carrier (the cardboard substrate) is defined by the solution's viscosity and surface tension.
Diluting the concentrate into an aqueous emulsion significantly improves the permeability of the agent. This modification ensures the liquid does not merely sit on the surface but penetrates deep into the fiber of the cardboard.
Safety and Distribution Uniformity
Water as a Diffusion Medium
In this process, water acts as a temporary transport medium. It carries the active ingredients into the porous structure of the cardboard.
Because the carrier absorbs the aqueous emulsion readily, the active ingredients are able to diffuse uniformly throughout the entire substrate.
Preventing Toxicity "Hot Spots"
Uniform distribution is a matter of safety, not just quality control. If the active ingredient were applied unevenly, it would create localized areas of high concentration.
These "hot spots" present a significant risk to non-target species, specifically honeybees. The emulsion ensures that once the water evaporates during the drying phase, the remaining pesticide is evenly dispersed at safe, effective levels.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Necessity of the Drying Phase
While water is the ideal vehicle for impregnation, it is only a temporary aid. Introducing an aqueous emulsion adds moisture to the cardboard which must be removed.
This necessitates a controlled drying phase after impregnation. The process relies on the water evaporating completely, leaving only the active ingredient behind in the substrate. Failure to manage the drying phase correctly could compromise the structural integrity of the carrier or lead to inconsistent release rates.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To optimize your impregnation process, consider your primary objective:
- If your primary focus is Safety (Honeybee Health): Prioritize the stability of the emulsion to ensure maximum diffusion, eliminating any risk of localized high concentrations.
- If your primary focus is Efficacy (Dosage Control): Focus on the precise ratio of concentrate to water to strictly maintain the active ingredient load within the 240mg to 960mg window.
The effectiveness of the final product relies on using water to drive the chemistry where it needs to go, then removing it to leave the active agent in place.
Summary Table:
| Factor | Benefit of Dilution | Impact on Production |
|---|---|---|
| Dosage Control | Decouples liquid volume from active ingredient potency | Enables precise loading (240mg - 960mg per insert) |
| Absorption | Lowers viscosity and surface tension | Enhances permeability into the carrier substrate |
| Safety | Prevents localized high concentrations | Eliminates toxic "hot spots" fatal to honeybees |
| Distribution | Water acts as a diffusion medium | Ensures uniform dispersion across the entire matrix |
| Final State | Facilitates temporary transport | Leaves pure active agent after the drying phase |
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References
- A.N. Domatsky, T.F. Domatskaya. Earwigs - pests of honey bees Apis mellifera. DOI: 10.15421/2020_266
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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