Ortho Weed B Gon vs Killex

Ortho Killex and Ortho Weed B Gon are two popular weed control products for lawns and gardens. Both provide systemic, broad-spectrum weed control, but they have some differences in their formulas, effectiveness, and proper application.

This article will compare the key features of these two herbicides to help you determine which is best for your weed control needs.

Killex vs Weed B Gon

This comparison table will help you see the key differences between Ortho Killex and Weed B Gon.

The main difference between Ortho Killex and Ortho Weed B Gon is that Killex is a contact herbicide, while Weed B Gon is a systemic herbicide. Contact herbicides like Killex kill weeds by directly contacting the foliage.

Systemic herbicides like Weed B Gon are absorbed by the plant and kill from the inside out. While both products provide weed control, this difference in mode of action means variations in application guidelines and effectiveness.

Active Ingredient

Ortho Killex contains three active ingredients: 2,4-D, Mecoprop-P, and Dicamba. Ortho Weed B Gon also contains 2,4-D along with dimethylamine salt and Mecoprop-P. Both products contain 2,4-D, which is effective against broadleaf weeds.

However, Ortho Weed B Gon has an additional active ingredient in dimethylamine salt, while Killex contains Dicamba. The specific combination of actives contributes to each product’s efficacy.

What It Kills

Ortho Killex is effective against over 50 types of weeds, including dandelions, creeping Charlie, plantain, and clover. Ortho Weed B Gon kills over 200 types of weeds and grasses including crabgrass, dandelions, and foxtail.

While both provide broad spectrum control, Weed B Gon targets an expanded range thanks to its systemic action and particular active ingredients. Killex is limited more to common broadleaf weeds.

Not Effective

There are certain weeds and grasses that these products will need to be more effectively controlled. Ortho Killex is not effective against sedges, palms, buttercups, bindweed, creeping bellflower, and bentgrass, among others.

Ortho Weed B Gon is not effective against bentgrass, carpetgrass, dichondra, ornamental plants, fruits/veggies, and some turfgrasses. Knowing these limitations can help consumers choose the product better suited for the weeds present.

Mixing Ratio

The mixing ratios differ between these two weed killers. For Ortho Killex, the recommendation is to mix 6 mL per liter of water to treat 5 square meters. For Ortho Weed B Gon, mix 1 ounce of product per gallon of water to treat 200 square feet.

Following the precise mixing rates is important to achieve effective weed control. The products cannot be interchanged in terms of mixing ratios.

Product Info

Ortho Killex Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate works by altering plant cell growth, leading to death. Ortho Weed B Gon also comes as a concentrate, which requires mixing with water.

It is designed to kill weeds down to the roots without harming the lawn grass when used as directed. While both products require diluting and work on contact, their modes of action and applications differ.

Tank Sprayer

Both Ortho Killex and Ortho Weed B Gon can be applied using a tank sprayer like the Scotts Dial N Spray Hose-End Sprayer.

This provides an easy way to mix and spray the herbicide solution evenly across the treatment area. Following the product’s mixing instructions is key for proper tank sprayer application.

Spot Treatment

A benefit of both Ortho Killex and Ortho Weed B Gon is that they can be used for spot treatments to control lawn weeds rather than making a broadcast application.

Spot treatment allows targeting only the weedy areas and avoiding any nearby flowers, trees, shrubs, or gardens that could be damaged by drift. Precise spray application is important.

Visual Results

Regarding visual effects, Ortho Killex will show results within two days, but optimal control may take two weeks. Ortho Weed B Gon, as a systemic herbicide, takes longer to display visible effects.

Homeowners can expect to start seeing results in 2-4 weeks with complete control in 4-6 weeks. Patience is required to allow the products to work fully.

Where Not to Use

The labels for both Killex and Weed B Gon warn about avoiding direct application to flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and fruit crops.

These products are designed for use on lawns and non-lawn areas like driveways and patios. Caution is needed during application to prevent drift onto ornamental plants. Tank sprayers allow for precision spot treatment.

When to Apply

For both products, application should be timed when weeds are young and actively growing for best results. Ortho Killex is rainfast within 6 hours, while Ortho Weed B Gon does not specify a rainfast time.

For optimal effectiveness, Killex should not be applied when rainfall is expected within several hours. Follow label directions for proper timing.

Our Observation
Both Ortho Killex and Ortho Weed B Gon have strengths and weaknesses depending on the weed control needs. For fast-acting removal of common broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover, Ortho Killex is the better choice.

Its contact action starts working in 2 days. For systemic control of a wider range of grass and broadleaf weeds, Ortho Weed B Gon is preferable, though slower.

Ultimately, Ortho Weed B Gon is the best overall recommendation for its broad spectrum systemic activity and ability to kill weeds down to the roots in lawns. Carefully read labels and apply them appropriately for desired results.

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