Why Nozzle Selection Matters
Every nozzle tip is designed with a specific application in mind, and understanding the code on each one is key to using it correctly. Selecting the right nozzle ensures accurate, efficient application - delivering the correct volume of product exactly where it’s needed, helping to maximise effectiveness while minimising waste.
Nozzle selection is a critical factor in achieving effective pest control. Delivering the correct amount of product to the intended target area is essential for successful treatments. Using the wrong nozzle, or an incorrectly calibrated one, can lead to wasted product, callbacks, unhappy customers and even damage to treated surfaces.
While changing nozzle tips may seem like an inconvenience, it’s a simple step that can make a big difference to the precision of your application and the quality of your results.
Every nozzle tip is designed with a specific application in mind, and understanding the code on each one is key to using it correctly. The first two digits of the code indicate the spray angle, determining how wide the spray pattern will be. The last two digits represent the output rate in US gallons per minute, which affects how much product is applied. Selecting the right nozzle ensures accurate, efficient application - delivering the correct volume of product exactly where it’s needed, helping to maximise effectiveness while minimising waste.
Common Nozzles
There are five common nozzles frequently used, each designed for specific tasks and application environments. Whether you're treating broad external areas or precise internal locations, choosing the correct nozzle is essential. Understanding the function, application, and benefits of each nozzle helps you deliver more efficient and effective treatments, leading to better results and increased customer satisfaction.
4001 Fan/Teejet Nozzle:
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Spray Angle: 40 degrees
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Output: 0.1 US gal/min (380 ml/min @ 40 psi)
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Best For: Indoor treatments on non-porous surfaces
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Why Use It: This low-volume nozzle is ideal for precise internal work, ensuring chemical doesn’t run or pool on non-porous, smooth surfaces.
6502 Fan/Teejet Nozzle:
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Spray Angle: 65 degrees
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Output: 0.2 US gal/min (760 ml/min @ 40 psi)
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Best For: External, non-porous surfaces such as walls, fascia, and windows
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Why Use It: Excellent for larger volume spraying of spiders, ants and other common pests.
6504 Fan/Teejet Nozzle:
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Spray Angle: 65 degrees
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Output: 0.4 US gal/min (1.5 L/min @ 35–40 psi)
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Best For: Porous external surfaces such as brick and concrete
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Why Use It: Ideal for high-volume applications, such as soil, ant and flea treatments, when you need to cover large areas quickly without making multiple passes.
4-Way Multi-Nozzle:
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Multi-purpose nozzle contains 4 settings:
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Fine fan – internal use
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Coarse fan – external use
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Pin stream (x2) – crack and crevice applications
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Why Use It: Offers great flexibility for technicians who need to quickly adapt between different treatment areas and spray styles without changing nozzles.
Adjustable Cone jet Nozzles:
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Cone Pin Nozzle: Small orifice, suited for wasp nests, spiders, and crevices
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Adjustable Cone Jet Nozzle: Larger orifice, ideal for high-volume treatments such as flea or sand and soil treatments
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Why Use Them: Cone nozzles offer more concentrated spray patterns for targeted work and broader coverage for heavy-duty applications.
Understanding Spray Patterns
Spray nozzles directly influence spray pattern, application volume, and droplet size. Selecting the correct nozzle ensures the product is delivered precisely and effectively to the target surface. Understanding the three main spray patterns is essential to maximising coverage and achieving optimal pest control:
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Fan Spray Nozzles: Deliver an elliptical spray pattern with even distribution across the fan. Best for surface coverage with consistent volume.
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Cone Jet Nozzles: Produce a circular spray with most of the chemical concentrated in the center—great for targeting specific areas.
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Pin Stream Nozzles: Provide a precise stream with even delivery, perfect for narrow spaces and crevice treatments.
What is the point of run-off?
It’s important to apply product thoroughly prior to the point of run-off - when a surface can no longer retain the liquid, and it begins to drip or run. Correct application allows the water to dry, leaving the active ingredient on the surface, where it is most effective.
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Porous surfaces such as brick and concrete absorb liquid more readily, so slower movement is suitable.
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Non-porous surfaces such as painted walls or Colorbond require quicker application to avoid excess build-up and run-off.
Spraying beyond the point of run-off can lead to pooling, mess, surface damage, and staining, leading to unhappy customers and callbacks.
Why is it important to clear blocked nozzles?
A blocked nozzle can create uneven spray patterns or stop product flow altogether, reducing treatment effectiveness. To clear blockages, remove the nozzle and gently blow air through it or use a soft object like a blade of grass. Avoid using metal pins or other hard tools that could damage the internal surfaces of the nozzle.
The importance of nozzle preparation
Nozzle selection is more than just a technical detail - it’s a critical factor in delivering professional, effective pest control treatments. Matching the right nozzle to the task ensures the chemical is applied in the right amount, at the right location, and with the correct spread. This improves control, reduces waste, and supports a professional outcome that satisfies both you and your customer.
Next time you’re preparing for a job, take a moment to ensure your nozzle is clean, unblocked, correctly sized and suitable for the surface you’re treating. This small step could be the key to ensuring your success and delivering optimal results.
To find out more information, reach out to our team.