When ingested by the larvae, within hours it induces a premature lethal molt of the larvae and cessation of the feeding. Subsequently, larvae die of dehydration and starvation within a few days. Intrepid is active on all larval feeding stages of target Lepidoptera species. The compound poses also ability to translaminar movement through the plant tissue. Intrepid has no effect on any other order of insects or Arthropods except the Lepidoptera.
Good coverage is critical for Intrepid efficacy.
For trees less than 10 feet tall Intrepid should be applied with minimum of 50 gal of water per acre while for trees taller than 10 feet with minimum of 100 gallons of water. The rate of application varies from 6 to 16 fluid ounces per acre. Do not apply more than 64 fluid ounces per season. Pyriproxyfen exhibit translaminar movement in leaves. On apples Esteem is registered for the control of codling moth, San Jose scale, spotted tentiform leafminer, rosy apple aphid and green apple aphid and suppression of obliquebanded leafroller.