Paraffin oil

Paraffin oil belongs to the group of highly refined petroleum products used as contact-action insectoacaricides. Its primary function is to form a dense oil film on the surface of plants and the pests themselves.

The mechanism of action is based on the physical suffocation (asphyxia) of harmful organisms. Upon contact with the oil, the spiracles of insects and mites are blocked, leading to their death due to oxygen deprivation.

The substance acts on all stages of pest development, including eggs, larvae, and adults. It also prevents normal gas exchange in pests, depriving them of the ability to develop and reproduce on the crop.

An important feature is that pests do not develop resistance to paraffin oil, as its action is strictly physical rather than biochemical.

The oil film also inhibits the ability of insects to adhere to the leaf surface, which reduces the rate of infestation of treated areas by new populations.

Preparations based on paraffin oil effectively control a wide range of overwintering and active pests on fruit, berry, and ornamental crops.

The primary targets are scale insects, soft scales, mites, as well as egg clusters of various aphid species and psyllids.

The use of oil is justified in the fight against mealybugs and certain caterpillar species that are vulnerable to direct contact with oil emulsions during the spring-summer period.

The product also helps reduce whitefly populations in greenhouse vegetable farming when the technique of applying the product to the underside of the leaf is correct.

• Scale insects and soft scales
• Spider mites and fruit mites
• Aphids (egg stage)
• Psyllids

Application rates depend on the crop development phase and the pest type. Emulsions with a concentration of 1 to 3 percent are typically used for vegetative plants.

In the early spring period, before bud burst, the use of more concentrated solutions is allowed for the destruction of overwintering pest stages.

It is important to ensure the most uniform coverage of the entire bark and leaf surface, as the product's action is purely contact-based, and effectiveness depends on the contact area.

The timing of work should strictly correlate with temperature conditions: it is not recommended to apply at temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius or when there is a risk of frost.

Preparing the working solution requires thorough mixing of the oil concentrate with water to create a stable emulsion that will not separate in the sprayer tank.

The main limitation is the risk of phytotoxicity. High oil concentrations or applications during hot weather can cause leaf burns and disrupt the photosynthesis process.

It is not recommended to mix paraffin oil with sulfur-containing products, as this may lead to chemical burns of plant tissues.

An interval of at least 2–3 weeks must be maintained between the use of oils and other pesticides, especially fungicides based on captan or sulfur.

The product does not have systemic action, so repeated treatments may be required in cases of high pest density or the emergence of new individuals from eggs.

When using the product, personal hygiene measures must be observed, avoiding contact with skin and mucous membranes, and wearing personal protective equipment for the respiratory tract and eyes.