Can I use Bugitol in the greenhouse?

[Ashby Chadburn]

I have a major mealy bug infestation. I have used Neem Oil, Sucrashield, and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri(little beattles that eat mealy bugs) and I still have mealy bugs everywhere. I have read about a new insecticide called Bugitol that is made from an extract of chilies. Does anyone have experience with Bugitol? Do I have to wear a hazmat suit and a respirator? Help, I am being eaten alive by mealy bugs. Thanks all.

[Ray]

Ashby,

As a retailer of Bugitol - and a user - I'll give you the straight scoop:

Bugitol is a blend of two food-grade, FDA GRAS (generally regarded as safe) ingredients - essential oil of mustard and capsaicin oleoresins. When mixed with water, in essence, you are applying a combination of mustard gas and pepper spray. Both vapors are very irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes.

I recommend that it be used outdoors only, unless you have a full-face, organic vapor respirator (which is what I use in the greenhouse). I suppose I probably should, but I do not use other PPE.

[Ashby Chadburn]

Thanks Ray. I was afraid that would be your answer. I have the goggles and the resirator with filters on both sides. I'm not sure if that would do the trick. It's not practical for me to take each plant outside to spray it multiple times. Thanks for responding.