Insecticide sprayers must, above all, have safety features that will fully protect the user from inhaling poisonous vapors or droplets. Operators of these lawn sprayers may, of course, wear masks to prevent such incidents, but the design of the sprayer is the most important preventive measure. Crucial to safety features are a hose that is long enough to reach the spot or area to be sprayed, and a nozzle that permits pinpoint application of liquids.

These features are an integral part of excellent lawn and garden sprayers, which come in various sizes and configurations so they are suited to the job. Tow-behinds, trailing sprayers, spot sprayers, and backpack sprayers all are tailored to specific types of applications of liquid fertilizers and insecticides/herbicides. The main difference among insecticide sprayers revolves around coverage.

Insecticide Sprayers Vary in Coverage

With larger coverage comes heavier weight, because the capacity of the sprayer must increase to hold more gallons of liquid. Tow-behinds, trailing sprayers, and spot sprayers have the largest capacity--15 or 25 gallons. These are meant for lawns or areas that would not be damaged by their weight or by their wheels traversing the area.

Smaller insecticide sprayers--the backpack sprayer--have other considerations in addition to safety and coverage. These applicators must be comfortable to wear and easy to use. They hold anywhere from three to five-and-a-half gallons, and are ergonomically designed to fit well on the user's back. Small, but powerful, they are the first completely internal, pump backpack sprayer.