Preventive Insecticide & Pesticide in Canada

[Wild Orchid]

Hello Everyone,
Recently there were a few helpful discussions about the preventive measures for the winter time that is just around the corner. Some recommended spraying orchids every 3 months or so to prevent mites, scale infestations, etc. There were mentionings of Systematic (is this a brand name?), 3-in-one for roses, etc.

What product do you use in Canada and where do you buy it?

I find having to constantly "translate" American brandnames to the Canadian local equivalents somewhat frustrating. Please help!!

[WhiteRabbit]

good luck!

systemic describes how the product works - may or may not be used in the product name
I think Bayer 3 in 1 for Roses is one

hopefully others more familiar (and those in Canada) will chime in to help you out!

[sithwitch]

A "systemic" insecticide is a chemical that is absorbed by the plants, so that any sucking insect that tries to chomp on it gets poisoned and dies. The usually last a few months I believe, but you have to be careful how much you use and some orchids might not react well to a specific insecticide, so it pays to research a bit.

As for Canadian availability, I gave up on finding equivalents here some time ago myself and I just ordered them from the US through eBay. Be aware that any chemical has a chance of being rejected at the border though But I could never find Physan 20 in hydroponics stores here or any form of imidacloprid (a systemic) so I took a chance got my products (if you try, also be careful to watch how much they charge for shipping too!). I did see Malathion in garden centers and hardware stores though.

Hoping for someone to pop in with some Canadian sources too

[31drew31]

Good systemics are not really sold in Canada anymore, and as sithwitch said, easier to order from the US through ebay or the like.

I prefer to not use chemicals unless absolutely needed, and find neem oil works very well whenever I have needed it. I use the raw stuff that is very thick and needs to be mixed with warm water and dish soap. I mix 2-4ml per litre of water (double this for scale) and have found this to be safe on a wide range on plants. I treat all new plants with neem before the go anywhere near my grow area.

[Wild Orchid]

Thanks, Everyone, for taking time to respond and for your suggestions!

[Lagoon]

Check out rosemania, some of the greenhouse growers are ordering from them.

www.rosemania.com

Welcome to the forum Lilia

[Wild Orchid]

Thanks, Gloria!

[silken]

Merit which is a systemic with imidacloprid in it is available in Canada. But I am only aware of it being available in agricultural type quantities. A seed and feed store may carry it. Our society bought a large amount and we put it into small jars to sell to our members.

[Wild Orchid]

Hmmmm! Interesting!

Thanks!