FAQs
WEED KILLER FAQS
Q: What is Avenger® Weed Killer Organic Herbicide?
A: Avenger Weed Killer is a fast acting, highly effective, non-selective, post-emergence organic herbicide that safely kills weeds, grasses & broadleaves.
Q: How does Avenger Weed Killer work?
A: The active ingredient, d-Limonene (citrus oil) naturally strips away the waxy plant cuticle, causing it to dry up and die. It is a physical mode of action that is effective against all species.
Q: What is the active ingredient in Avenger Weed Killer organic herbicide?
A: The active ingredient is an emulsified d-Limonene (citrus oil), which acts as a natural degreaser. D-Limonene is found in more than 300 fruits, vegetable, herbs and spices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies d-Limonene as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) – essentially no measurable toxicity for certain uses. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that “d-Limonene is practically non-toxic to birds, fish and mammals and is highly biodegradable.” d-Limonene is an excellent degreasing agent and is commonly used in soaps, foods, lotions, mouthwash and perfumes.
Avenger DOES NOT contain the following ingredients:
- Glyphosate • Corn gluten • Acetic Acid/Clove Oil Combination
- Vinegar or 20% Acetic Acid • Fatty Acid • Salt • Any synthetic chemicals
Q: How is d-Limonene produced?
A: When the juice is squeezed from oranges, an oily film remains on top; this oil is primarily composed of d-Limonene. The citrus rind is then squeezed further to remove any remaining oil in the citrus skin. That citrus oil is primarily made of d-Limonene, a pure compound that is an excellent solvent.
Q: What other ingredients besides d-Limonene are in Avenger Weed Killer?
A: Avenger’s proprietary Ready to Use (RTU) formula is made up of water and 17.5% d-Limonene. The remaining ingredients are proprietary non-toxic and safe surfactants to help dissolve the d-Limonene (Citrus Oil) in water.
Q: Where is Avenger Weed Killer Organic Herbicide manufactured?
A: Avenger is formulated and manufactured in our plant in Gainesville, GA.
Q: Does it have to be hot or sunny to work?
A: No, Avenger will work under cool (down to 40ºF) and overcast conditions. This gives growers an opportunity to get an earlier start on weed control, as weeds are generally smaller, more susceptible and less likely to recover. Faster results will be seen on hot, humid, sunny days.
Q: How does rain affect Avenger Weed Killer?
A: Do not spray Avenger in the rain or if rain is expected within one hour. It can wash the product off the plant leaf surface reducing the product’s efficacy as well as transfer to plants and grasses that you don’t want to kill.
Q: How soon can pets and children return into sprayed areas?
A: Pets and children can inhabit sprayed areas as soon as the spray dries. As long as the weed remains wet, children and pets may inadvertently transfer the product to desirable foliage and possibly affect that foliage.
Q: How does Avenger‘s effectiveness compare to other weed killers that contain the leading synthetic chemical Glyphosate?
A: University and independent testing results prove that Avenger is as effective, but faster acting when compared to leading synthetic herbicides including Glyphosate. Glyphosate typically takes 7 to 14 days to work; Avenger acts much faster, often seeing results in 1-2 hours.
Q: How does Avenger differ from other herbicides that contain vinegar (acetic acid), citric acid, clove oil and fatty acids (soap)?
A: Avenger is made from natural ingredients without the use of any chemicals in the formula and without any of the ingredients being chemically altered. When tested against herbicides that contain vinegar (acetic acid), citric acid, clove oil and fatty acids (soap), Avenger is more effective with quicker results.
Q: Why is Avenger Weed Killer more expensive than herbicides containing Glyphosate?
A: We believe our pricing fairly reflects the cost of producing an organic herbicide that is highly bio-degradable, highly effective and safe to use around pets and wildlife. The strict conditions associated with producing d-Limonene and the required organic certifications raise the cost per unit. d-Limonene is of a natural origin and is made through the process when juice is squeezed from oranges. Glyphosate is made through a chemical synthesis process and is manufactured in large quantities. Organic certifications are not required nor are the same strict conditions needed to produce Glyphosate for mass production. This results in low production, processing, distribution and marketing costs per unit.
Q: Does Avenger Weed Killer or other Avenger products contain Genetically Modified ingredients?
A: None of our products contain genetically modified (GM) ingredients. In fact, to be considered for National Organic Program approval (EPA+USDA) and as a Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed product, products CAN NOT contain any (GM) ingredients.
Q: Is Avenger Weed Killer Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered and approved?
A: Yes. EPA registration numbers: Concentrate #92967-1; RTU #92967-3. AG Optima 92967-4. Avenger® is EPA approved under the label language indicating that all ingredients (active and inert) in a pesticide product and all uses meet the criteria defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) Rule - Approved for Use in Organic Gardening – NOP Rule. “FOR ORGANIC GARDENING” is intended to be used where the product is typically for residential use.
Q: Is Avenger Weed Killer cleared by Organic Materials Research Institute (OMRI) in addition to USA NOP?
A: Yes, some Avenger products are OMRI listed. OMRI independently reviews products that are intended for use in certified organic production, handling and processing. A thorough review of products ensures that they comply with USDA organic standards. Avenger currently has several herbicide products approved for OMRI Listing Avenger Weed Killer RTU and Avenger AgOptima Burndown Herbicide.
Q: Can I get a copy of the Organic Materials Research Institute (OMRI) certificate?
A: Yes. A copy of our OMRI certificate can be found here by product.
Q: Is it harmful if I come in contact with Avenger Weed Killer?
A: Avenger’s active ingredient d-Limonene is a strong degreasing agent. While it is organic and safe for the environment, it is a very powerful solvent and care has to be taken when handling. Note: Always read and follow label directions for all products. Information here is not a substitute for directions on the product labels.
Q: If Avenger Weed Killer is an organic product, why does the label say “Harmful if absorbed through skin” and “Flush skin for 15 to 20 minutes”, is it safe to use?
A: Avenger’s active ingredient, d-Limonene is a strong degreasing agent. While it is organic and safe for the environment, it is very powerful and care has to be taken when handling any strong substance. Note: Always read and follow label directions for all products. The information provided here is not a substitute for directions on the product labels.
Q: What are the mixing ratio and rates for Avenger Weed Killer Concentrate?
A: For Small annual weeds: For control of annual weeds less than 6 inches tall, use a 1:6 ratio (1 part of Avenger Weed Killer into 6 parts of water).
For Larger annual weeds: For the control annual weeds above 6 inches, use a 1:4-1/2 ratio (1 part of Avenger Weed Killer in 4-1/2 parts of water).
Harder to control weeds (weeds with a thick cuticle such as ivy and hard to control perennials): Use a 1:3 ratio (1 part of Avenger® Weed Killer in 3 parts of water)
Q: What is the re-entry interval after spraying Avenger Weed Killer?
A: For all non–agricultural situations (homeowner, landscaper, municipalities, etc.) there is no re-entry time. However, we recommend that you allow for complete dry time before re-entry. This will prevent Avenger® from unintentionally spreading to plants and grasses that you don’t want to kill in another area.
Q: Can I plant after spraying Avenger Weed Killer?
A: Sprayed areas can be planted within 2-3 hours after application or after the solution dries. Through a process called half-life, the product dissipates and turns into CO2 after it has dried.
Q: Does Avenger Weed Killer kill the roots?
A: It depends on the depth of root system. Avenger naturally strips away the waxy plant cuticle, causing it to dehydrate and die. If the weed has a shallow root system, such as annual weeds, killing the tops can kill the roots. If the weed has a deep tap root, such as a perennial weed (dandelion), removing the top growth will not immediately kill the root. Additional applications may be necessary. For best results, spray weeds when they are small so they are more susceptible to Avenger® and less likely to recover.
Q: How fast will I see results with Avenger Weed Killer?
A: Avenger is fast acting. Weeds can show darkening of foliage within hours. On warmer days, a complete burndown typically occurs in less than one day.
Q: What weeds are most responsive to Avenger® Weed Killer?
A: Avenger kills most weeds, grasses and broadleaves through its physical mode of action. The active ingredient, d-Limonene is a strong degreasing agent which essentially dissolves the waxy cuticle of the plant. Thus, plants with thinner cuticles are most responsive to Avenger. Younger and smaller weeds that are growing quickly will be easier to kill than mature, hardened off weeds. Also, weeds in a hot and humid environment will have thinner cuticles than those same plants in dry conditions.
Avenger® controls most weeds, grasses and broadleaves including: Spurge, Sowthistle, Redroot Pigweed, Tumbling Pigweed, Annual Bluegrass, Shepherd’s Purse, Common Purselane, Common Chickweed, Clover, Hairy Fleabane, Crabgrass, Smooth Crabgrass, Dandelion, Whitestem Filaree, Bermuda Grass, Bindweed, Shepherds Purse, Prickly Lettuce, Lambsquarters and Little Mallow.
Please contact us for specific weed, grass or broadleaf questions.
Q: Will Avenger Weed Killer prevent weeds from coming back?
A: Avenger is a fast-acting, post-emergence herbicide for use on weeds that already exist. It will not control weeds that have yet to germinate.
Q: Is Avenger Weed Killer okay to use on grass and not kill it?
A: Avenger is a non-selective herbicide and will affect all contacted vegetation. Avoid contacting desirable plants. Overspray or drift will injure or kill contacted vegetation. Do not spray on lawns, as it will damage or kill treated grass.
AVENGER AG OPTIMA FAQS & TIPS
Your Cool Season Organic Herbicide
Avenger AgOptima Burndown Herbicide is intended for non-selective weed control in and around all crop and non-crop areas. The product’s active ingredient, d-Limonene, is a natural degreaser that effectively melts the waxy cuticle of most weeds, grasses and broadleaves, causing dehydration and death to the problem vegetation. Due to this unique mode of action, it does not require direct sunlight or warm temperatures for effectiveness. Weed control can be obtained in temperatures as low as 50 degrees - this allows growers to treat weeds when they are small, weak and unestablished.
Optimal Application Conditions
While Avenger AgOptima Burndown Herbicide will work under most environmental conditions, it works best when the soil is moist, and the weed cuticle is soft. These conditions will make the weed more susceptible to desiccation. Typically this can be after an irrigation, or rain event, but the vegetation should be semi-dry so that the herbicide will stick to the targeted weeds. Spraying weeds in the early hours of the day (morning dew) will often assist with efficacy. The longer the spray concentrate can remain on the leaf surface, the better the results will be. In hot temperatures, burndown results can be seen in as little as an hour on most weeds.
Sub-Optimal Application Conditions
Weeds that are drought or heat stressed will develop a thicker cuticle. The thicker cuticle barrier can inhibit the herbicide from dissolving into vegetation, resulting in decreased herbicide performance. Weeds that are large and have matured or “hardened off” are often more difficult to control.
Perennial vs. Annual Weed Control
Avenger AgOptima Burndown Herbicide desiccates the foliage of most weeds that it comes into contact with, however the product is not systemic. Annual and perennial weeds that germinate from seed can easily be controlled before they establish a robust root system. Established perennial grasses, broadleaves and weeds from rhizomes or root masses can be effectively top burnt, but complete control will require multiple treatments over time. The cooler season effectiveness of Avenger AgOptima® Burndown Herbicide allows you to eliminate weeds before they become established.
Pre-Plant and Pre-Emerge Applications
For many organic growers, weed control can’t start soon enough, but cost has often been a barrier to broadcast treatments. When treating newly emerged weeds, apply Avenger AgOptima Burndown Herbicide prior to planting crops. This will create a clean seed bed. Seeded crops can be planted within 2 hours after application. For newly planted crops, Avenger AgOptima Burndown Herbicide can be applied before crop emergence to control the early flush of weeds. By leaving the soil undisturbed, you will avoid unearthing new weed seeds, which is often a result of cultivation. When treating smaller weeds, you can use lower spray solution volumes - this will reduce your weed control costs.
Broadcast Application with Field Sprayer Boom Equipment
The amount of weed vegetation will determine the spray volume and product required for complete coverage of weeds, grasses and broadleaves. Weed vegetation conditions that affect spray coverage are determined by the number of weeds present, leaf shape, weed size and weed species. For weeds under ½ inch, use 15 gal/acre of total spray volume at a 1:6 dilution ratio (1 part Avenger/6 parts H20). For weeds over 1 inch in height, use 30 gal/acre of total spray volume at a 1:6 dilution ratio (1 part Avenger/6 parts H20). Large weeds up to 12 to 18 inches in height may require an increased final spray volume and reduced dilution ratio for effective weed control.
~15 gallons per acre final spray volume @ a 1:6 dilution = 2.5 gallons of Avenger / 13 gallons of H20
~40 gallons per acre final spray volume @ a 1:6 dilution = 5.75 gallons of Avenger / 35 gallons of H20
Nozzle Selection - Broadcast Treatments
The use of flat fan nozzles will result in the most effective application of AvengerAG Optima Burndown Herbicide. Flood nozzles are generally not as effective as they produce large uneven droplets. The use of flood nozzles may result in reduced weed control due to inadequate coverage. When spraying less than 20 gallons of spray carrier per acre, use only flat fan nozzles as recommended.
Temperature and Humidity
When applying Avenger AgOptima Burndown Herbicide in low-relative humidity, set up your equipment to produce larger droplets to compensate for evaporation. When conditions are hot and dry (droplet evaporation is most severe), avoid treating during the hottest time of the day.
What is the Broadcast Dosage and Application Rates
Use a 14% dilution for general weed, grass and broadleaf control. Spray volume is based on the size of the plants and/or the desired speed of kill. The larger the weed, grass and broadleaf, the higher the spray volume required to ensure maximum herbicidal activity. The higher the product concentration ratio, the quicker the weeds, grasses and broadleaves will wilt, brown and desiccate. Always follow label directions.
What is the Application Timing
Avenger AgOptima Burndown Herbicide should be applied to emerged weeds when they are small. Weeds 1/8” to 6 inches in height are the easiest to control. Larger weeds may be more difficult to control and will require additional applications.
INSECTICIDES
Aerosols and Boric Acid for Commercial and Residential, Avenger Plus for greenhouse and agriculture.