How should cypermethrin 25 be diluted for tick control? - briefly
Mix 0.5 mL of the 25 % cypermethrin formulation with 1 L of water (≈12.5 ppm) and apply according to label directions. Use the recommended surfactant and observe all safety precautions.
How should cypermethrin 25 be diluted for tick control? - in detail
Cypermethrin 25 must be mixed to achieve a concentration that effectively kills ticks while remaining safe for the treated surface and non‑target organisms. The label for a 25 % cypermethrin formulation typically recommends a final working rate of 0.1–0.2 mg active ingredient per square metre for indoor or livestock environments; outdoor pasture applications may require 0.5–1.0 mg AI m⁻². Convert these rates to volume of the concentrate using the product’s potency (25 % w/v).
Calculation steps
- Determine the target dosage in milligrams of active ingredient per square metre (e.g., 0.15 mg AI m⁻²).
- Multiply by the total area to be treated (Area × 0.15 mg).
- Convert milligrams of AI to milliliters of concentrate:
- 25 % w/v means 250 mg AI per mL.
- Volume = (Required mg AI) ÷ 250 mg mL⁻¹.
- Dilute the measured concentrate in clean water to a final volume that permits uniform application (commonly 4 L per 100 m² for spray equipment).
Example: Treating 200 m² at 0.15 mg AI m⁻²
- Required AI = 200 × 0.15 = 30 mg.
- Concentrate needed = 30 ÷ 250 = 0.12 mL.
- Add 0.12 mL of cypermethrin 25 to 8 L of water (4 L per 100 m²) and mix thoroughly.
Safety and quality control
- Verify that the measuring device can accurately dispense sub‑milliliter volumes; use a calibrated pipette or syringe.
- Perform a test spray on a small, inconspicuous area to confirm even coverage.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, respirator) during preparation and application.
- Label the diluted mixture with concentration, date of preparation, and expiry (usually 24 h for water‑based solutions).
Following these precise calculations and handling procedures ensures that the cypermethrin solution achieves the intended tick control efficacy while minimizing environmental risk.