The Benefits, Science and Use of EcoVia™ Research-Based Botanical Insecticides

The EcoVia line of research-based botanicals from Rockwell is a comprehensive range of natural, minimum risk, EPA 25(b) fifra 25b exempt insecticides. The result of an extensive development and testing program, these botanical pesticidesformulations offer specific advantages over conventional synthetic insecticides for certain applications. These advantages extend far beyond simply the “green” green pest control solutionsor natural status of the products.

1. EcoVia botanicals are fast-acting. Certain (but not all) botanical oil components have modes of action that are extremely fast, causing immediate paralysis in many insects. When properly combined and formulated, the resulting products are often faster-acting than synthetic pyrethroids.
2. EcoVia botanicals provide true repellency. Many botanical components act in the vapor phase and are classified as “true repellents” (similar to natural pyrethrin). Insects that come in the vicinity of them will be repelled by the vapors. In contrast, synthetic pyrethroids are called “excito-repellents”. The insects have to touch them, and then the irritating effect can cause them to behave erratically and potentially be repelled.
3. EcoVia botanicals are excellent flushing agents. The fast action and vapor phase repellency make EcoVia insecticides excellent flushing agents. This can be helpful for numerous applications, whether it’s flushing cockroaches from a wall void, quickly ridding a yard of mosquitoes, or removing cluster flies, lady beetles or boxelder bugs from the side of a structure.
4. EcoVia botanicals can act as fumigants.The vapor phase activity of EcoVia insecticides causes them to have a fumigation effect in enclosed spaces. Whether it’s small flies in a drain, or occasional invaders in a wall void, the vapor action will quickly kill, flush and repel pests from the treated area.
5. EcoVia botanicals are excellent tools for resistance management. Each EcoVia formula consists of multiple botanical oils. And each natural plant oil contains several active components, often with different modes of action. This diversity of active ingredients and modes of action, when properly combined, gives EcoVia formulations an advantage against species with acquired resistance to common synthetic pesticide classes, such as bed bugs, roaches and flies.
6. EcoVia botanicals can be used near and over water. With dramatically lower fish toxicity compared to pyrethroids and much broader labels, EcoVia botanicals can be sprayed up to the water’s edge, applied to boat docks for spider control, fogged over water for mosquitoes, or used with reduced risk on properties with ornamental water features.
7. EcoVia botanicals don’t have label restrictions related to impervious surfaces. Since EcoVia botanicals don’t accumulate in ground water, they can be broadly sprayed on impervious surfaces when and where necessary, unlike pyrethroids. Whether it’s the dumpster and pad behind a restaurant, or the side of a structure for overwintering pests, EcoVia provides treatment options with minimal use site restrictions.
8. EcoVia botanicals offer minimal risk to pollinators. Since EcoVia botanicals don’t bio-accumulate in plants and in the environment, their risk to pollinators, outside of direct application to insects, is minimal. The vapor-phase action will tend to repel pollinators from visiting treated plants while the treatment is active.
9. EcoVia botanicals don’t require notifications in most states. While many states require notification before treatment on certain properties such as schools, most states exempt minimum risk, 25(b) pesticides from these requirements, allowing inspection and treatment to be completed in a single visit. Be sure to check your state regulations.
10. EcoVia botanicals were developed through extensive scientific research and proven effective in the real world. Whatever your reason for choosing a botanical insecticide: the mode of action advantages, the lack of label restrictions or the green status of the products, you can rest assured that EcoVia 25(b) insecticides are the result of extensive research and development. EcoVia botanicals offer the ideal combination of nature’s active ingredients and modern formulation technology to provide highly effective solutions in the real world.

1. GABA receptor antagonists
2. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (responsible for the fast action of some botanicals)
3. Effects on transient receptor potential

Each botanical oil often contains numerous active compounds. Combining the right botanicals in the right proportions with the right inert ingredients is a complex process to perform effectively. At Rockwell, we have taken the time to research and understand the science underlying the observed effects of natural plant oils. Combining that knowledge with modern formulation chemistry has allowed us to offer the most effective and innovative range of 25(b) botanical pesticides available on the market today.