A pesticidal composition comprises at least one anionic surfactant and an active ingredient group alpha (AIGA) compound at the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to AIGA compound of at least about 20:1. The pesticidal composition shows an enhanced residue activity of the AIGA compound in soil. A method of controlling a sap-feeding insect on a top part of the plant comprises applying a pesticidally effective amount of such pesticidal composition to soil around a root system of the plant. A method of controlling pests comprises applying a pesticidally effective amount of such pesticidal composition to at least one of: soil, seed of a plant, a portion of a plant, and locus where control of pests is desired.