Once-A-Year Insecticidal Drench w/Merit
Best long-term pest solution for busy homeowners with large landscape trees.
Protect your large trees and shrubs for a full year with this once-a-year insecticidal drench. Applied directly to the roots, it offers systemic, rainproof protection that eliminates the need for spraying. This concentrate targets a wide range of devastating pests, including borers and emerald ash borers, ensuring new growth is also shielded. Simply mix the concentrate with water and pour it at the base of the plant for easy, effective pest control. It's a convenient solution for maintaining the health of your valuable landscape plants.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
635
/ 1771
#635 in Pesticides
Price vs Category Average
-44%
Below average
Size
32
/ oz
Who it's for
- Plant owners struggling with stubborn internal pests
- Busy homeowners wanting a low-maintenance garden care routine
- Gardeners preferring clean, mess-free application methods
Who should skip it
- Eco-conscious gardeners prioritizing pollinator and bee safety
- People needing an immediate solution for active pest outbreaks
- Gardeners in regions with unpredictable or extreme soil moisture
Performance breakdown
Application Convenience
Root drenching eliminates the hassle and mess of traditional spray equipment.
Protection Longevity
A single annual treatment provides reliable, season-long defense for landscape plants.
Systemic Efficacy
Internal absorption ensures even new growth remains shielded from invasive borers.
Weather Resilience
Rainproof formula maintains effectiveness regardless of unpredictable outdoor weather conditions.
Environmental Impact
Potent chemical composition poses significant risks to non-target beneficial insect populations.
Safety Profile
Requires careful handling due to toxicity concerns for pets and children.
Key Specs
Size
32oz
Active Ingredient
Imidacloprid (Merit)
Application Rate
1oz concentrate per inch of trunk circumference
Protection Duration
12 months
Formulation Type
Concentrate Drench
Origin
Made in USA
Legal Restrictions
Not for sale in Canada
Is Organic
False
Features
- Provides 12 months of insect protection
- Systemic and rainproof once absorbed
- Root drench application, no spraying needed
- Protects entire tree, including new growth
- Effective against borers and emerald ash borers
- Easy to mix and pour application
- Covers large trees and shrubs
- One application per year
What customers say
This insecticidal drench is highly valued for its exceptional reliability and simple application. Users appreciate the convenience of a single annual treatment, providing consistent, season long pest protection. This effective, set it and forget it method greatly simplifies garden upkeep, confirming its status as a valuable solution that delivers on its promises.
Know before you buy
You should measure the trunk circumference in inches at chest height. Use 1 ounce of concentrate for every inch of circumference, mixed with the appropriate amount of water as directed on the label.
No, this product is not considered safe for pets or children. You should keep them away from the treated area until the drench has been fully absorbed into the soil and the ground is dry.
Yes, this product is systemic and can be harmful to beneficial insects, including bees, that visit the flowers of treated plants. It is best to avoid applying this product to plants that are currently in bloom or are highly attractive to pollinators.
Once applied to the root zone, the tree absorbs the systemic insecticide over a period of time. It becomes rainproof once fully absorbed, providing protection for the entire plant, including new growth, for 12 months.
No, this product is intended for landscape trees and shrubs only. It should not be applied to any plants that produce fruits or nuts intended for human consumption.
Yes, it is specifically formulated to target borers, including the emerald ash borer. By applying it as a root drench, the active ingredient moves through the tree's vascular system to protect it from the inside out.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.