Actara (thiamethoxam)

Actara’s active ingredient, thiamethoxam, is a second-generation neonicotinoid insecticide, belonging to the thianicotinyl subclass of chemistry. Thiamethoxam interferes with a unique receptor site in the insect nervous system, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The compound is registered for the control of many chewing and sucking insects: aphids, leafminers, leafhoppers, mullein bug, plum curculio, European apple sawfly, and pear psylla. Actara exhibits rapid translaminar penetration into plant surfaces, and is rainfast as soon as the spray dries. Actara is registered for use on pome fruits (apples, crabapples, loquat, mayhaw, quince, and pear fruit) and stone fruits (apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, and prunes). Actara should be used from 2.0 to 5.5 ounces per acre per application depending on target pest. No more than 8.0 ounces per acre can be applied during a single growing season. Actara should be applied with a minimum of 50 gallons of water per acre. The compound is very toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment.