EcoTrol is an insect treatment designed for use on fruit trees to effectively control pests such as aphids, spider mites, and ash sawflies, among others. We prefer using EcoTrol over synthetic products like Criterion or Safari on fruit trees because synthetic options can contaminate the fruit.

EcoTrol is formulated from essential oils, which include 10% Rosemary Oil, 2% Peppermint Oil, and 88% other ingredients, such as Wintergreen Oil, Vanillin, Lecithin, and Butyl Lactate.

Ecotrol is applied as a foliage spray.

EcoTrol is a fast-acting product that kills insects within 2 to 5 days and will only eliminate the insects it contacts during application. We do not guarantee residual control.

EcoTrol is primarily a contact insecticide and repellent, meaning it works by killing or repelling pests upon application rather than providing long-term systemic protection. While it can help reduce insect infestations and deter pests short-term, it does not offer extended residual control like systemic insecticides (e.g., imidacloprid or dinotefuran).

EcoTrol is considered less toxic to bees compared to synthetic insecticides, but it can still be harmful if sprayed directly on pollinators. Since it is a contact insecticide made from botanical oils, it can affect bees if they come into direct contact with freshly applied spray. However, once the spray dries, the risk to bees is significantly reduced.

The sticky substance you’re seeing is honeydew produced by aphids; however, it does not necessarily indicate that aphids are still present. To check for aphids, carefully examine the underside of the leaves. If you don’t see any moving aphids, it means the treatment has been effective. You can remove the sticky substance by washing the leaves with water, or you can simply leave it, as it won’t harm the tree.

You don’t need to take any specific action, but you can help reduce stress from insect pressure by watering the tree around its root zone. Since aphids and spider mites absorb moisture from the tree, providing water is always beneficial.

According to the EcoTrol insecticide label, the Restricted Entry Interval (REI) is 0 hours—meaning people and pets can reenter the treated area once the spray has dried.

No, EcoTrol does not kill all insects. It is a botanical-based contact insecticide designed to target soft-bodied and certain hard-bodied pests, but it is less harmful to many beneficial insects when applied correctly.

Insects That EcoTrol Kills:

• ✔️Aphids
• ✔️ Mites
• ✔️ Whiteflies
• ✔️ Thrips
• ✔️ Mealybugs
• ✔️ Leafhoppers
• ✔️ Soft-bodied scales
• ✔️ Caterpillars (on contact)

Insects That EcoTrol Has Limited or No Effect On:

• ❌ Bees & Pollinators (when applied responsibly)
• ❌ Ladybugs & Lacewings (beneficial predators)
• ❌ Hard-bodied beetles (not as effective)
• ❌ Wood-boring insects (e.g., emerald ash borer, bark beetles – since EcoTrol is not systemic)
• ❌ Ants & Termites (limited impact)

How EcoTrol Works:

• Kills pests on direct contact by suffocating them with essential plant oils.
• Provides some repellent properties to discourage pests from returning.
• Does not have long-term residual effects, meaning beneficial insects are less impacted once the spray dries.

We prefer to use either Criterion, Safari, or Tree-age for non-fruit-bearing trees. Although these insecticides are not organic products, we believe that the method of injecting them into the ground is less harmful to beneficial insects than aerial applications, even when using organic products like Ecotrol.