Systemic vs Non-Systemic Pesticides

For large-scale growers, pest pressure is constant. Effective control means using tools that work quickly, fit spray schedules, protect beneficial insects, and meet residue, worker-safety, and market requirements. The first step in responsible pesticide use is knowing how a pesticide works: non-systemic (contact) or systemic (translocated).

This article explains each type, their strengths and limitations, and answers key safety questions so you can choose the right option for your pest management program.

What is a Non-Systemic Pesticide?

A non-systemic pesticide does not move beyond the application area and isn’t absorbed by the plant. Many non-systemic insecticides and miticides kill when pests come into contact with the treated area or shortly after exposure; many protectant fungicides sit on the leaf or fruit surface to block infection. Because these products work on the outside, coverage is key. If the spray doesn’t reach the pest (or the exact tissue that needs protection), performance will suffer.

Non-systemics do vary in their mode of action. Some act on contact or shortly after, some require ingestion (“stomach action”), and many offer both. The unifying idea is simple: the active compound doesn’t enter and circulate throughout the plant.

What is a Systemic Pesticide?

A systemic pesticide is absorbed by the plant and moves internally, often from roots to shoots or within leaves, so that feeding pests are exposed when they nibble treated tissue. In practice, growers use soil drenches, seed treatments, chemigation, or foliar sprays that then relocate into plant tissue. Because the active translocates, spray results are less dependent on hitting every surface (though good application still matters), and new growth may be protected for a time depending on chemistry and rate. 

Systemics are common in insect management (e.g., neonicotinoids) and also exist among fungicides with translaminar or xylem-mobile movement. They’re taken up and retained for a defined window, then degrade. That internal movement is powerful, but it also demands disciplined timing around preharvest intervals (PHIs) and buyer/residue requirements. For bee-attractive crops, regulators emphasize careful timing and risk mitigation because some systemics can be present in nectar and pollen.

Pros and Cons of Non-Systemic Pesticides

Pros 

• Fast action. Many non-systemics kill quickly on or after contact, ideal for outbreak hotspots or when you need immediate relief near a harvest window.
• Residue control. Because they aren’t absorbed by the plant, residue levels depend on spray coverage and weathering, not internal persistence. This can benefit residue-sensitive markets.
• Resistance rotation power. Non-systemic pesticides often sit in different FRAC/IRAC groups than the systemics you may rely on, giving you more rotation options.
• Pollinator flexibility. With careful timing (e.g., evenings, no bloom) and drift control, a surface-only product may reduce pollinator exposure versus systemic residues, where applicable.

Cons

• Coverage dependency. Protection is dependent on thorough application of the product to the undersides, interior canopy, and new leaves. Plan product volume, droplet size, travel speed, and adjuvants to reach the target zone.
• No protection of new growth. As plants push new leaves, you’ll need to reapply protectants to guard fresh tissue, increasing labor, and potentially cost.
• Shorter protection window. If the non-systemic pesticide you are using is reliant on its residue being ingested, UV, rain, and wind can reduce its effectiveness by eroding the surface deposits.

Pros and Cons of Systemic Pesticides

Pros

• Built-in reach. Systemics move within tissue, helping you hit cryptic pests or disease sites that coverage often misses.
• Protection of new growth (for a time). Depending on the rate and molecule, new tissues can gain protection as actives translocate useful in fast-growing crops.
• Operational efficiency. Some programs can run fewer re-sprays, and alternative application routes (drench, in-furrow, seed treatment) can reduce passes and labor.

Cons

• Pollinator exposure concerns. Because systemics can be present in pollen and nectar, regulators and conservation groups urge careful use patterns and risk assessment on bee-attractive crops.
• Resistance pressure. The strong efficacy of some systemics can select for resistance if overused. Build multi-mode programs, rotate IRAC/FRAC groups, and integrate cultural and biological controls.
• Residue & timing discipline. Internal movement means you must plan around PHIs and export Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Always verify the label and buyer requirements.
  

Common Questions About Systemic and Non-Systemic Pesticides

Are systemic pesticides safe?

When it comes to agriculture, safe would always mean that it is used as labelled, with risk managed. Contemporary registration considers risks associated with workers, consumers, and the environment. At the systemics level, guidelines on risk assessment of pollinators exist (e.g., within the U.S. EPA) and labels have detailed restrictions (e.g., no-bloom treatment in bee-attractive crops, drift measures, PPE, and REIs).

How safe is safe enough? It varies with crop, stage of growth, the presence of pollinators, and what you need to comply with your local regulations; read the label and local regulations prior to each application.

Do all non-systemic pesticides kill on contact?

No. Many do kill on contact, but some also require ingestion (stomach action) or have vapor activity. The unifying trait is that they don’t move inside the plant, so exposure comes from direct contact with the pest or treated surface. Always check the product’s mode of action and directions and don’t assume every non-systemic works the same way.

Do systemic pesticides affect your nervous system? 

A few systemic insecticides, including neonicotinoids, act on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that play an essential role in nerve communications. Insects also contain neonicotinoids, which are highly active in mammals to a very great extent. It is the reason why agencies and researchers consider the neural effects and potential impacts on human health when establishing patterns and levels of use.

For example, the National Pesticide Information Center describes that imidacloprid is a systemic contact-acting or ingested insecticidal compound affecting nerve function; studies are ongoing regarding human relevance and level of exposure.

Meet Protection Plus – A Residue-Free, Non-Systemic Pesticide

When you need fast action without systemic movement or oily residues, Protection Plus is built for the job. It’s an oil-free, citric-acid-based, non-systemic insecticide and miticide that doesn’t leave residue when used as directed.

Because it doesn’t translocate inside the plant, it fits neatly into programs that prioritize clean harvests and export readiness, and it’s especially handy near harvest windows where you can’t risk persistent internal residues.

Why commercial growers love our product

• Fast action – Contact-based mode of action makes it useful for hotspots or pre-harvest cleanups.
• Residue-free and oil-free – Keeps surfaces clean and avoids the heaviness of oil-based sprays under heat stress.
• Program-friendly – As a non-systemic option with a distinct active (citric acid), it integrates easily into existing spray programs and supports resistance management.
• Simple training curve – Straightforward use and quick results help seasonal crews get effective coverage, fast.

Where it shines

• High-value specialty crops where residue scrutiny is intense.
• Greenhouse and net-house production, where coverage is easier to optimize and turnaround times are tight.
• Integrated programs that use systemic tools strategically but need a clean, fast option for immediate suppression.
• Zero-hour REI/PHI, saving time on application.
• Only light PPE is required for application.

Wrap-Up and Tips for Growers

Choosing between systemic and non-systemic is based on many factors. Here’s a guide to help with your decision:

Key Factor	Non-Systemic	Systemic
Speed of Action	Fast on contact	Slower, needs uptake
Coverage	Surface only, needs a good blast	Whole-plant, protects new growth
Longevity	Shorter	Longer-lasting
Resistance Risk	Low	Higher if overused
Environmental Impact	Lower persistence	Higher risk to pollinators and soil
Residue Management	Easier (surfaces can be washed)	Internal residues persist
Worker/Product Safety	Typically lower risk if handled right	Requires more caution due to internal uptake
Best Use Case	Quick knockdown, spot treatment	Systemic borers, root pests, hidden feeders

Final Thoughts

There’s no one “best” type; there’s the right type for the job. Non-systemics deliver speed, clarity, and residue control. Systemics deliver reach, staying power, and efficiency. The strongest commercial programs use both, anchored in IPM, field scouting data, and strict label compliance. If you want a residue-free, non-systemic solution to support your pest control efforts, add Protection Plus from us at EPM.