OriGens Frequently Asked Questions

Avenger Weed Killer is a fast acting, highly effective, non-selective, post-emergence organic herbicide that safely kills weeds, grasses & broadleaves.

The active ingredient, d-Limonene (citrus oil) naturally strips away the waxy plant cuticle, causing it to dry up and die.

The active ingredient is an emulsified d-Limonene (citrus oil), which acts as a natural degreaser. D-Limonene is found in more than 300 fruits, vegetable, herbs and spices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies d-Limonene as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) – essentially no measurable toxicity for certain uses. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that “d-Limonene is practically non-toxic to birds, fish and mammals and is highly biodegradable.” d-Limonene is an excellent degreasing agent and is commonly used in soaps, foods, lotions, mouthwash and perfumes.

Avenger’s patented Ready to Use (RTU) formula is made up of water and 17.5% d-Limonene. The remaining ingredients are proprietary non-toxic and safe surfactants to help dissolve the d-Limonene (Citrus Oil) in water..

• Glyphosate • Corn gluten • Acetic Acid/Clove Oil Combination • "Food Grade" 200 Grain Vinegar or 20% Acetic Acid • Fatty Acid • Salt • Any synthetic chemicals

When the juice is squeezed from oranges, an oily film remains on top; this oil is primarily composed of d-Limonene. The citrus rind is then squeezed further to remove any remaining oil in the citrus skin. That citrus oil primarily made of d-Limonene.

No, Avenger will work under cool (down to 40ºF) and overcast conditions. This gives growers an opportunity to get an earlier start on weed control, as weeds are generally smaller, more susceptible and less likely to recover. Faster results will be seen on a hot, humid, sunny days.

Do not spray Avenger in the rain or if rain is expected within one hour. It can wash the product off the plant leaf surface reducing the product’s efficacy as well as transfer to plants and grasses that you don’t want to kill.

Pets and children can inhabit sprayed areas as soon as the spray dries. As long as the weed remains wet, children and pets may inadvertently transfer the product to desirable foliage and possibly affect that foliage.

University and independent testing results prove that Avenger is as effective, but faster acting when compared to leading synthetic herbicides including Glyphosate. Glyphosate typically takes 7 to 14 days to work; Avenger acts much faster, often seeing results in 1-2 hours.

Avenger is made from natural ingredients without the use of any chemicals in the formula and without any of the ingredients being chemically altered. When tested against herbicides that contain vinegar (acetic acid), citric acid, clove oil and fatty acids (soap), Avenger is more effective with quicker results.

We believe our pricing fairly reflects the cost of producing an organic herbicide that is highly bio-degradable, highly effective and safe to use around pets and wildlife. The strict conditions associated with producing d-Limonene and the required organic certifications raise the cost per unit. d-Limonene is of a natural origin and is made through a process of when juice is squeezed from oranges. Glyphosate is a made through a chemical process and is manufactured in large quantities. Organic certifications are not required nor are the same strict conditions needed to produce Glyphosate for mass production. This results in low production, processing, distribution and marketing costs per unit.

None of our products contain genetically modified (GM) ingredients. In fact, to be considered for National Organic Program approval (EPA+USDA) and as a Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed product, products CAN NOT contain any (GM) ingredients.

Yes. EPA registration numbers: Concentrate #82052-1; RTU #82052-3. Avenger® is EPA approved under the label language indicating that all ingredients (active and inert) in a pesticide product and all uses meet the criteria defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) Rule - Approved for Use in Organic Gardening – NOP Rule. “FOR ORGANIC GARDENING” is intended to be used where the product is typically for residential use.

Yes. OMRI independently reviews products that are intended for use in certified organic production, handling and processing. A thorough review of products ensures that they comply with USDA organic standards.

Avenger’s active ingredient d-Limonene is a strong degreasing agent. While it is organic and safe for the environment, it is very powerful and care has to be taken when handling. Note: Always read and follow label directions for all products. Information here is not a substitute for directions on the product labels.

Avenger’s active ingredient, d-Limonene is a strong degreasing agent. While it is organic and safe for the environment, it is very powerful and care has to be taken when handling any strong substance. Note: Always read and follow label directions for all products. The information provided here is not a substitute for directions on the product labels.

For all non–agricultural situations (homeowner, landscaper, municipalities, etc.) there is no re-entry time. However, we recommend that you allow for complete dry time before re-entry. This will prevent Avenger® from unintentionally spreading to plants and grasses that you don’t want to kill to in another area.

For Small annual weeds: For control of annual weeds less than 6 inches tall, use a 1:6 ratio (1 part of Avenger Weed Killer into 6 parts of water). For Larger annual weeds: For the control annual weeds above 6 inches, use a 1:4-1/2 ratio (1 part of Avenger Weed Killer in 4-1/2 parts of water). Harder to control weeds (weeds with a thick cuticle such as ivy and hard to control perennials): Use a 1:3 ratio (1 part of Avenger® Weed Killer in 3 parts of water)

Sprayed areas can be planted within 2-3 hours after application or after the solution dries. Through a process called half-life, the product dissipates and turns into CO2 after it has dried.

It depends on the depth of root system. Avenger naturally strips away the waxy plant cuticle, causing it to dehydrate and die. If the weed has a shallow root system, such as annual weeds, killing the tops can kill the roots. If the weed has a deep tap root, such as a perennial weed (dandelion), removing the top growth will not immediately kill the root. Additional applications may be necessary. For best results, spray weeds when they are small so they are more susceptible to Avenger® and less likely to recover.

Avenger is fast acting. Weeds can show darkening of foliage within hours. On warmer days, a complete burndown typically occurs in less than one day.

Avenger kills most weeds, grasses and broadleaves. The active ingredient, d-Limonene is a strong degreasing agent which essentially dissolves the waxy cuticle of the plant. Thus, plants with thinner cuticles are most responsive to Avenger. Younger and smaller weeds that are growing quickly will be easier to kill than mature, hardened off weeds. Also, weeds in a hot and humid environment will have thinner cuticles than those same plants in dry conditions. Avenger® controls most weeds, grasses and broadleaves including: Spurge, Sowthistle, Redroot Pigweed, Tumbling Pigweed, Annual Bluegrass, Shepherd’s Purse, Common Purselane, Common Chickweed, Clover, Hairy Fleabane, Crabgrass, Smooth Crabgrass, Dandelion, Whitestem Filaree, Bermuda Grass, Bindweed, Shepherds Purse, Prickly Lettuce, Lambsquarters and Little Mallow. Please contact us for specific weed, grass or broadleaf questions.

Avenger is a fast-acting, post-emergence herbicide for use on weeds that already exist. It will not control weeds that have yet to germinate.

Avenger is a non-selective herbicide and will affect all contacted vegetation. Avoid contacting desirable plants. Overspray or drift will injure or kill contacted vegetation. Do not spray on lawns, as it will damage or kill treated grass.