formulations containing anthraquinone derivatives with increased effectiveness as pesticides are provided . these formulations may comprise a preparation comprising one or more anthraquinone derivatives having activity against plant pests ; one or more c2 - c7 alcohols , or glycols or lactones ; and one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of a sulfate , ethoxylated fatty acid esters wherein said alcohols and surfactants are present in amounts effective to stability said preparation . also provided are methods of using these formulations as pesticides .