Orthene or Safari ?

[Darold Petty]

I have a small, residential greenhouse,  200 square feet (18,5 sq m).  My primary pests are mealybug, scale, and sometimes spider mites.   For low levels of these pests I just use insecticidal soap.  However, this never eliminates the problem completely.  The pests will continue at a low level for a long time and then suddenly the population will increase dramatically.  I am at that stage now.  In the past I have applied Orthene three times at one week intervals.  This has worked well, and I don't have pests for months afterward.

A recent visitor suggested that Safari might be a better choice,  although it is much more expensive, (not an issue for me).  Your thoughts please, do you concur that Safari is superior, and what application protocol would you suggest ?  One application, or more as I have done with the Orthene ? 

Also, please note that I never use chemical pesticides outdoors, as my garden supports a lot of bird life.  Thanks !

[gyuseppe]

On 6/10/2025 at 6:54 PM, Darold Petty said:

 

Also, please note that I never use chemical pesticides outdoors, as my garden supports a lot of bird life.  Thanks !

👌

[happypalms]

While not familiar with the chemicals you are using (active constituent needed). I do work in the horticulture industry and have for the past 35 years and over that time I have picked up a few  ideas and learnt a little bit about chemicals and the various jobs they are assigned to do. It’s more about control than total elimination and never seeing that pest ever again, that’s just not possible, a spray program with a rotation of different chemicals to eliminate pesticide resistance in the bugs. Closely in conjunction with monitoring the weather conditions when the chemicals are applied. Using both of those you can get on top of bugs and reduce chemical use saving money but best of all your health!

[Darold Petty]

Bump my thread, I am nearly out of Orthene,

which of these two pesticides would Palmtalkers recommend, and why ?  Thanks

[happypalms]

On 7/15/2025 at 10:45 AM, Darold Petty said:

Bump my thread, I am nearly out of Orthene,

which of these two pesticides would Palmtalkers recommend, and why ?  Thanks

Roger, a system insecticide , active constituent dimetholate, an organophosphate. Or malathion active constituent maldason, a anticholnesterase compound. It’s effective and works.

[Jubaea]

Safari became a restricted use pesticide in California January 1st of 2025 making it unavailable to the general public.  

[Darold Petty]

Thanks for the update !