Spectracide weed killer products do not contain glyphosate, which is the herbicide found in Roundup and other products. Instead, Spectracide products contain other weed killers, including diquat dibromide, 2,4-D, dicamba, or quinclorac. Depending on which Spectracide product you choose, the spray may attack all plants it is sprayed on. However, some Spectracide products are selective weed killers, which means they kill weeds without harming grass. This may make Spectracide more desirable, since glyphosate is a non-selective weed killer that will kill lawn grass as well as weeds.
What is the Main Ingredient in Spectracide?
The active ingredients in Spectracide depend on the product you choose. Non-selective weed killers produced by Spectracide typically contain diquat dibromide, along with other herbicides, such as dicamba.
- The main ingredient in Spectracide depends on the specific product you choose.
- This non-selective weed killer made by Spectracide contains diquat dibromide and dicamba.
- The active ingredients in this selective weed killer made by Spectracide include 2,4-D, quinclorac, and dicamba.
Spectracide weed killers that are designed to be safe for most grass types do not contain diquat dibromide. Instead, these products often have 2,4-D, quinclorac, and dicamba as active ingredients. This change in ingredients affects how the weed killer functions.
Is Spectracide as Good as Roundup?
If you are choosing a non-selective weed killer, Spectracide is not as powerful as Roundup (which contains glyphosate). This is because the diquat dibromide in Spectracide does not kill weeds as effectively as glyphosate. For a complete analysis of these two weed killers, check out our comparison of diquat dibromide vs. glyphosate.
- The active ingredients in Spectracide’s non-selective weed killers are not as strong as Roundup.
- Roundup is a non-selective weed killer, so it kills all plants and grasses.
- Spectracide produces selective weed killers that can kill weeds without damaging your grass.
Spectracide products are much better than Roundup for killing weeds without hurting your lawn. Selective weed killers produced by Spectracide can wipe out unwanted weeds without damaging most lawn grasses. Roundup is a grass killer, so it can’t be sprayed on lawns.
Does Spectracide Kill Weeds to the Root?
Spectracide products that contain diquat dibromide do not kill plants to the root. Diquat dibromide only attacks parts of the plant it is sprayed on, so it will only kill aboveground portions of the plant. In some cases, weeds sprayed with diquat dibromide may grow back from the root. In comparison, glyphosate is a systemic herbicide that kills the entire plant.
- If the Spectracide product you choose has diquat dibromide, it won’t kill weeds to the root.
- Glyphosate attacks and kills all plants to the root.
- Spectracide weed killers with 2,4-D, dicamba and/or quinclorac kill many weed species to the root.
- Know your grass type before using quinclorac since it is not safe for all turf grass species.
If you choose a Spectracide product with 2,4-D, quinclorac, or dicamba it will kill many broadleaf weeds to the root. A product containing quinclorac will even kill weedy grasses like crabgrass, poa annua, and even some types of nutsedge. However, be careful when using weed sprays with quinclorac—this ingredient is safe for most grasses but can kill St. Augustine, Bahiagrass, and Centipede grass.
Is Spectracide Bad for the Environment?
If your Spectracide spray contains diquat dibromide, it is much safer for the environment than products with glyphosate. According to the EPA, diquat dibromide is very unlikely to pollute water supplies, since it remains in the soil. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option.
- Spectracide products with diquat dibromide are considered relatively safe, since they are unlikely to pollute water sources.
- Glyphosate is known to be environmentally harmful.
- If your Spectracide product contains 2,4-D, it is not safe for the environment.
Spectracide sprays with active ingredients such as 2,4-D are not considered environmentally friendly. The EPA classifies 2,4-D as moderately or slightly toxic to certain types of wildlife. So, if environmental protection is your goal, it is best to avoid weed sprays containing 2,4-D.
Is Spectracide Toxic to Humans?
Spectracide products are considered less toxic to humans than products containing glyphosate. In particular, Spectracide sprays with diquat dibromide are safe when used correctly. Diquat dibromide is not known to be a mutagen or carcinogen. In comparison, there is debate around the toxicity of glyphosate and its link to cancer.
- The human toxicity of Spectracide depends on the product ingredients.
- Diquat dibromide is not associated with cancer, so Spectracide products with this active ingredient are generally considered safe.
- Glyphosate is surrounded by controversy, with some health organizations claiming the herbicide can cause cancer.
While the EPA states that glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic, the WHO claims that glyphosate can be linked to cancer. If you are concerned about these risks, it is best to avoid glyphosate products. Spectracide sprays with diquat dibromide are a good alternative to glyphosate.
What Herbicide is in Spectracide?
Spectracide products can contain different herbicides, depending on the weed killer spray. Here’s a quick guide:
- Spectracide products do not contain glyphosate.
- Non-selective weed killers produced by Spectracide contain diquat dibromide and dicamba.
- Spectracide’s selective weed killers typically contain 2,4-D, dicamba, and quinclorac herbicides.
- While diquat dibromide is considered safe for humans and the environment, 2,4-D is considered somewhat environmentally toxic.
- Unlike glyphosate, diquat dibromide has not been involved in cancer controversy.
Now that you know what active ingredients are in these popular weed killers, you can make an informed choice to keep yourself and your family safe. Plus, you can attack those pesky weeds in your yard.
