insecticide question

[brighteyez]

well, as many of you know, some of my plants have been bothered by bugs recently. i sprayed them a few days ago, and have left them outside since then. here's my question, when can i bring them in? i have cats and i don't want them getting sick or contaminating the house or something. i didn't mention anything on the bottle about it.

[Ross]

What did you spray with?

[brighteyez]

triple action plus rtu

[Ross]

Originally Posted by brighteyez

triple action plus rtu

Wonder what this is? Please help us here if you want a real answer.

[John]

Ross, this contains Neem Oil, Piperonyl Butoxide and Pyrethrins. Doesn't sound too bad on the surface.
John

[brighteyez]

ok, the small print on the bottle says
pyerthrins 0.02%
piperonyl butoxide, technical 0.20%
clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil 0.90%

does that help?

[Ross]

Yep! These (to my knowledge) are all safe for pets. I know Neem is and pyerthrins are as well. Never heard of the second one, but I am supecting you are probably safe. I personally use Schultz Garden Safe line of products since they are guaranteed.

[brighteyez]

thanks ross i'll keep that in mind for next time!

[goodgollymissmolly]

I hate to see you hurt your cat. Read the link:

Pyrethrin and Permethrin Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

Asking technical questions on a flower forum is generally a bad idea. Wash the plant off first with a spray hose and you'll be fine.

See ya'll in another year.

[camille1585]

I think it should be fine. Like Ross said, Neem oil is safe and I know that pyrethrins are quickly degraded by light and wash off easily. Piperonyl butoxide (it just increases the potency of the pyrethrines)although moderately toxic, also degrades quickly. Both of these have a half life of less than 3 days, so within a week there should hardly be any traces of them left.

So unless your cats have a habit of licking/chewing on plants, I think you can bring them in soon. You can always give the orchids a quick shower to remove the last traces!