UPL Weevil-Cide Tablets are a solid fumigant used for the control of stored-product insects and burrowing pests in enclosed storage and transport systems.
Chemical Composition and Formulation
The active ingredient is Aluminum Phosphide at 60.0%. The remaining 40.0% are inert ingredients. The formulation is a solid tablet that reacts with atmospheric moisture to release phosphine (PH₃) gas. Some formulations may include ammonium carbamate as an inerting agent to reduce flammability risks.
Functional Mechanism and Design
This is a restricted-use fumigant. The tablets are designed for placement within stored commodities or burrow entrances. Upon exposure to ambient humidity, the aluminum phosphide undergoes a hydrolytic reaction, generating phosphine gas. This gas is the active toxicant that dispersates through the air space or commodity mass, eliminating target pests.
Target Applications and Performance
The product is labeled for fumigation in a wide array of sealed environments, including farm bins, grain elevators, flour mills, food processing plants, warehouses, shipping containers, railcars, and transport trucks. It targets insects at all life stages in stored raw agricultural commodities (e.g., grains, nuts, seeds), processed foods, animal feeds, and feed ingredients. It is also registered for use against burrowing rodents at animal burrow entrances. Target pests include grain-boring insects, moths, weevils, beetles, and burrowing rodents.
Application Specifications and Protocol
Application is by hand placement of tablets within the treatment area. Dosage is critical and varies by target site, commodity, and pest. For example, the maximum allowable dosage for rodent burrows is 2-4 tablets per burrow. All applications must strictly follow the comprehensive rates and instructions on the EPA-approved product label for the specific commodity and enclosure volume. The product is a federally restricted-use pesticide and may have additional state-level restrictions; for example, tablets are not registered in all states.
Handling and Safety
This product bears the signal words "POISON/DANGER". It is highly toxic and can be fatal if swallowed. Applicators must wear dry gloves when handling tablets. Respiratory protection is required when phosphine concentration is unknown; a NIOSH/MSHA-approved full-face gas mask with a phosphine canister (rated for up to 15 ppm) or a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) must be available on-site if application occurs from within the structure. The product should be stored in a cool, dry place and never in damp conditions. It must not be applied directly to water.
