Alligare Defoamer, 1 qt

A silicone antifoam for pest-control tank mixes. The label rate is one half to one ounce per 100 gallons, added after water and another ingredient are in the tank.

Manage foam while mixing

Some pesticide combinations foam as water and products enter the tank. That can complicate filling, measuring and mixing. Alligare Defoamer is a silicone oil-in-water emulsion made for pest-control tank mixes where foam is expected or already occurring. Its job is to knock down foam or help suppress it before it starts. The maker’s background guide says defoamer does not replace a surfactant. If the pesticide label calls for a surfactant, keep that part of the mix plan in place and follow its directions.

Measure for the tank volume

The label gives a general rate of one half to one ounce per 100 gallons of solution. It says those amounts are based on experience and that easier mixtures may need less, while tougher mixtures can need more. For a 25-gallon batch, that general range scales to one eighth to one quarter ounce. Use the full pesticide label and the product mix instructions to determine the actual amount for the job. Tank mixes differ, so a single fixed dose may not control foam equally in every blend.

Add it directly to the mixture

When using the product as an antifoam, the label directs you to add it after water and another ingredient have entered the tank. Squirt it into the mixture itself. Do not put it on a tank surface. Then add the remaining ingredients. If foam becomes a problem later, add Defoamer to the tank until the foam stops. Urea and water solutions can be harder to control, and the label says additional product may be needed. Watch the mixture as it comes together instead of adding an unmeasured amount in advance.

Store the bottle carefully

The label says silicone emulsions can thicken or freeze in cold temperatures. If the product has frozen or shows layers, warm it above 40°F before use and shake the bottle well. Keep it in its original container in a cool, dry area. The label recommends storage between 40°F and 90°F and says to keep it away from oxidizing agents. Do not add water to the bottle. Review the full label before mixing, including its first aid, handling and empty-container directions.

Formulation and label identity

Alligare Defoamer, defoamer-antifoam. Principal functioning agents: polydimethylsiloxane 10%; constituents ineffective as a spray adjuvant 90%; total 100%. One U.S. quart (0.95 L) bottle. This product controls foam in spray tank mixtures; follow the main product label for required surfactants and other adjuvants.

Directions for use

Label directions: All tank mixtures are different. Amounts recommended are based on experience. For mixtures that are easily defoamed, use lower amounts. For mixtures that are tough to defoam, more may be required. The general use rate of Alligare Defoamer is 1/2 to 1 oz. per 100 gallons of solution. As an antifoam, add Alligare Defoamer after the water and another ingredient have been added to the tank mixture. Squirt directly into the tank mixture. Do not add to any tank surface. Add the rest of the ingredients. If foaming becomes a problem, add Alligare Defoamer to the tank until foaming stops. Foaming for urea/water solutions may be difficult to control; more Alligare Defoamer may be necessary to suppress foam to the desired level.

Alligare's background guide states that a defoaming agent may be needed when tank-mix combinations create foam and that it does not replace a surfactant. Follow the herbicide or pesticide label for any required surfactant and tank-mix instructions.

Cautions

Signal word: CAUTION. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eye and skin contact, ingestion, and breathing vapors or spray mist. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum or using tobacco. First aid: Call a poison control center or doctor immediately and have the container available. If swallowed, have the person sip a glass of water if able to swallow; do not induce vomiting unless told by a poison control center or doctor and give nothing by mouth to an unconscious person. For skin or clothing contact, remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water for 15–20 minutes. If inhaled, move the person to fresh air; if not breathing, call 911 or an ambulance, then give artificial respiration, preferably mouth to mouth. For eye contact, rinse slowly and gently with water for 15–20 minutes; remove contact lenses after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing. Silicone emulsions may thicken or freeze in cold temperatures. If frozen or layered, warm above 40°F (5°C). Shake the bottle well before use. Store in the original container in a cool, dry area between 40°F (5°C) and 90°F (32°C), away from oxidizing agents. Do not add water to the bottle before use. Do not reuse the empty container. Triple rinse or equivalent during mixing and loading, and put rinsate into the tank mix. Recycling decontaminated containers is preferred; follow local law for landfill or burning, and stay out of smoke if burned.