insect control systemic

[miamicuse]

I have some scales and mealybugs on some of my plants.  I have been using alcohol, neem oil etc...in a spray bottle to spot treat, but this is a recurring thing on a monthly basis so I want to try a systemic that will be effective for a longer duration.

I understand that Imidacloprid is what I need.  It comes in different forms, granules, power, and liquid concentrates.  The powder and liquid concentrates you mix it up and apply to the roots of the plants.  I think the granules are good to apply into pots where they will stay, but for plants in the ground, and especially on a slight slope, it will probably get washed away on heavy rain.  So I am thinking powder form or liquid.  Anyone has any specific products they have tried that are giving good results?

I also noticed that some of the chemicals used for treating termites can be used as a systemic to treat plants.  Dominion 2L and Termidor SC, both of these I actually have for termite treatment - but I am not sure how effective they are in dealing with plant bugs.

[Xenon]

I used Bioadvanced Tree & Shrub 12 month granules (imidacloprid) for my citrus trees this year. Two months later and the leafminers are still at bay, not convinced it will work for the whole 12 months though (I'll be happy with 6 month control). The liquid root drenches used commercially before retail sale are only good for 4-6 weeks. 

[johnnymak]

Make sure you read the Safety Data Sheet, and not just the label. In my jurisdiction label has the minimum required by- law with regards to safety, while you learn a lot more from the SDS. You've mentioned some pretty nasty stuff there, be safe.

[Looking Glass]

  On 5/5/2024 at 12:26 AM, miamicuse said:

I have some scales and mealybugs on some of my plants.  I have been using alcohol, neem oil etc...in a spray bottle to spot treat, but this is a recurring thing on a monthly basis so I want to try a systemic that will be effective for a longer duration.

I understand that Imidacloprid is what I need.  It comes in different forms, granules, power, and liquid concentrates.  The powder and liquid concentrates you mix it up and apply to the roots of the plants.  I think the granules are good to apply into pots where they will stay, but for plants in the ground, and especially on a slight slope, it will probably get washed away on heavy rain.  So I am thinking powder form or liquid.  Anyone has any specific products they have tried that are giving good results?

I also noticed that some of the chemicals used for treating termites can be used as a systemic to treat plants.  Dominion 2L and Termidor SC, both of these I actually have for termite treatment - but I am not sure how effective they are in dealing with plant bugs.

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Down here, when growing various ornamentals and non native palms, you’re going to have to use something at times on certain ones or you will have a pile of dead plants.   Bio Advanced makes this in various forms (granules, liquid, spray).   It should be all the same, so buying their single liquid concentrate should be fine.  

You can use it as a root drench systemic with the right dilution.  But best to do that now, before the rains come.   You can also use it as a topical spray to spot treat smaller plants for sucking insects.   Works well for scale and mealy bugs and various chewing insects.