The present invention relates to methods of controlling crop pests. In particular it relates to a method of applying pest control formulations without the use of water, wherein the pesticide is selected from the group comprised of thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiacloprid, fipronil, cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole, or a mixture thereof, wherein the non-liquid pesticide formulation is applied between harvesting of the crop and spreading of mulch over the soil.
