Stickers, also known as burweed or sandbur, are a common nuisance in lawns, pastures, and recreational areas. These weeds produce spiny seed pods that can stick to clothing, skin, and animal fur, causing discomfort and irritation. The best herbicide for stickers must effectively target both the foliage and root system to prevent regrowth and seed production.

This guide evaluates the most effective herbicides for controlling stickers, focusing on their active ingredients, application methods, and suitability for different environments. Whether you are managing a lawn, pasture, or recreational area, this article will help you choose the right herbicide for sticker control.

Best Herbicides for Stickers

1. Image Kills Sandspur – Imazaquin Herbicide

Image Kills Sandspur is a specialized herbicide designed to target stickers in lawns and turfgrass. Its active ingredient, imazaquin, inhibits weed growth by disrupting amino acid synthesis, effectively killing stickers without harming most turfgrass species.

Apply Image Kills Sandspur at a rate of 1.5-2.5 ounces per gallon of water per 1,000 sq ft. For best results, apply during the early growth stage of stickers. Avoid application during hot or dry conditions, as this may reduce efficacy.

University trials have shown that Image Kills Sandspur achieves 90-95% control of stickers when applied correctly. Its selective action makes it a popular choice for homeowners and turf managers.

2. Atrazine – Pre- and Post-Emergent Herbicide

Atrazine is a versatile herbicide that provides both pre- and post-emergent control of stickers. Its active ingredient targets the root system of stickers, preventing regrowth and seed production. Atrazine is particularly effective in warm-season turfgrass like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass.

Apply Atrazine at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre during the early growth stage of stickers. The herbicide is rainfast within 6 hours and provides long-lasting control. Use caution near desirable plants, as Atrazine can persist in the soil.

Field trials have demonstrated 85-90% control of stickers with Atrazine. Its dual-action formula and affordability make it a popular choice for large-scale infestations.

3. Roundup Pro Max – Glyphosate Herbicide

Roundup Pro Max is a non-selective herbicide that provides effective control of stickers in non-crop areas and spot treatments. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, targets the entire plant, including the roots, ensuring complete control.

Apply Roundup Pro Max at a rate of 22-44 fluid ounces per acre during the early growth stage of stickers. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides quick results. Use caution near desirable plants, as glyphosate is non-selective.

Field trials have shown 95% control of stickers with Roundup Pro Max. Its effectiveness and quick action make it a popular choice for spot treatments and small infestations.

4. Sedgehammer – Halosulfuron-methyl Herbicide

Sedgehammer is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of stickers in lawns and turfgrass. Its active ingredient, halosulfuron-methyl, targets the root system of stickers, preventing regrowth and seed production.

Apply Sedgehammer at a rate of 0.9 grams per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of stickers. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Sedgehammer is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

University trials have demonstrated 90% control of stickers with Sedgehammer. Its selective action and low use rate make it a valuable tool for managing stickers in sensitive environments.

5. Drive XLR8 – Quinclorac Herbicide

Drive XLR8 is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of stickers in warm-season turfgrass like Bermuda grass. Its active ingredient, quinclorac, targets the foliage and root system of stickers, ensuring complete control.

Apply Drive XLR8 at a rate of 1.1-2.2 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of stickers. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Drive XLR8 is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

Field trials have shown 85-90% control of stickers with Drive XLR8. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers.

6. Tenacity – Mesotrione Herbicide

Tenacity is a selective herbicide that provides both pre- and post-emergent control of stickers. Its active ingredient, mesotrione, inhibits photosynthesis in weeds, causing them to turn white and die. Tenacity is particularly effective in cool-season turfgrass like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue.

Apply Tenacity at a rate of 0.5-1 fluid ounce per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of stickers. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Tenacity is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

University trials have demonstrated 90% control of stickers with Tenacity. Its dual-action formula and low use rate make it a valuable tool for managing stickers in sensitive environments.

7. Specticle – Indaziflam Herbicide

Specticle is a pre-emergent herbicide that provides long-lasting control of stickers. Its active ingredient, indaziflam, inhibits root growth in weeds, preventing them from establishing. Specticle is particularly effective in warm-season turfgrass like Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass.

Apply Specticle at a rate of 0.5-1 fluid ounce per 1,000 sq ft before stickers emerge. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Specticle is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

Field trials have shown 95% control of stickers with Specticle. Its long-lasting residual activity makes it a popular choice for preventing sticker infestations.

8. Revolver – Foramsulfuron Herbicide

Revolver is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of stickers in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, foramsulfuron, targets the foliage and root system of stickers, ensuring complete control.

Apply Revolver at a rate of 1.5-2.5 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of stickers. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Revolver is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

University trials have demonstrated 85-90% control of stickers with Revolver. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers.

9. Certainty – Sulfosulfuron Herbicide

Certainty is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of stickers in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, sulfosulfuron, targets the foliage and root system of stickers, ensuring complete control.

Apply Certainty at a rate of 0.75-1.25 ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of stickers. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Certainty is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

Field trials have shown 85-90% control of stickers with Certainty. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers.

10. Dismiss – Sulfentrazone Herbicide

Dismiss is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of stickers in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, sulfentrazone, targets the foliage and root system of stickers, ensuring complete control.

Apply Dismiss at a rate of 4-8 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the early growth stage of stickers. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Dismiss is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

University trials have demonstrated 90% control of stickers with Dismiss. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers.

Buyer’s Tips for Sticker Herbicides

Identify Growth Stage
Apply Sticker Herbicide during the early growth stage for best results.

Choose the Right Herbicide
Select Sticker Herbicide based on the application site – lawn, pasture, or recreational area.

Use Proper Adjuvants
Add non-ionic surfactant to Sticker Herbicide sprays for better leaf absorption.

Follow Label Rates
Measure Sticker Herbicide carefully – over-application can harm desirable plants.

Consider Soil Residual
Choose Sticker Herbicide with soil residual activity for long-term control.

Rotate Modes of Action
Alternate Sticker Herbicide chemistry to prevent resistance development.

Monitor for Regrowth
Follow up with additional Sticker Herbicide applications if regrowth occurs.

Conclusion

For most sticker infestations, Image Kills Sandspur and Atrazine provide the most effective control due to their selective and residual activity. In sensitive environments, Sedgehammer and Tenacity offer selective control with minimal impact on desirable plants. Always apply Sticker Herbicide during the early growth stage and follow up with proper monitoring to ensure long-term control.