Microencapsulated pheromones are released from within the capsule by diffusing through pores in the capsule wall. This creates a controlled time-release product. The capsule wall also protects the environmentally sensitive pheromone inside from the effects of oxidation and UV light. As the pheromone is released the capsule collapses, eventually degrading into inert substances. The 3M Corporation of Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, is the leading producer of microencapsulated products, including pheromones.
Sprayable pheromones have advantages when compared with the use of hand-applied dispensers.
Sprayable pheromone, because of the relative ease and speed of application, can be applied in response to the detection of pest problems, instead of prophylactically as with hand applied dispensers. For example, a pheromone spray can be applied for a flight of leafrollers or leafminers if larval counts in the previous generation indicated the need. Sprayable pheromones can be applied with other materials in the spray tank, saving or sharing the application cost. In addition, the amount of expensive pheromone applied per acre in one or several sprays may be less than the amount per acre found in dispensers, potentially providing further cost savings. Currently, the main drawback with microencapsulated pheromones is their longevity, compared to hand-applied technologies.