Pesticide application question.
 

Hello all,

So, as many may know by now, I have a pretty bad scale problem. It was suggested to be to use acephate. This is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Acephate-Gene...n%2C184&sr=1-1
I thought I would mix it into one of these hose mixers Ortho(R) Dial N Spray(R) Hose End Sprayer (since my Chapin 1-gallon sprayers have pretty low water pressure) and spray.

I am having second thoughts now. I mixed up 6 tablespoons into the 32-ounce chamber and set it to pull 2 oz at a time.

It doesn't seem like the granules are dissolving and then looking at the label for the mixer, it says "Only for Orthene liquid products, do not add water. I am wondering if the tubes on this mixer will even collect the acephate properly.

Maybe I should dump it out (where, I am not quite sure yet) and start over? Is what am I doing correct, safe, or effective? I have masks, gloves, goggles and a ppe suit now.

Here is the full document https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem...8-20150114.pdf on how much to mix for different concentrations. The useful part (like for small sprayers as opposed to spraying a whole farm) doesn't even start until page 26 of the document. I'd still go with the pump sprayer. You don't need a lot of pressure, just the ability to get everything wet.

Generally the "proportioner" type of hose-end sprayer takes a concentrate (like a liquid pesticide), and adds water on the way out. So you'd have to figure out what sort of concentrate you're after, and then set the ratio so that the effluent is what you want.

The manufacturer’s recommendation is 2/3 tsp/gal; I use 1 tsp.

6 tablespoons is 18 teaspoons, and if that is in a quart of water delivered 2 oz per gal, your final mix is 1-1/8 tsp/gal.

You’re correct that the stuff is hard to dissolve. I use hot water and swirl it around before and during application. You might also consider halving the concentration in the tank and doubling the mixing ratio - 8 teaspoons/quart fed at 4 oz/gal, for example.

How long is the mixture good for once I add the granules? Can I mix it one day then use it over a week? Or does it lose potency immediately once the granules are in the water?

I think I might end up just buying another Chapin pump sprayer that’s 1 gallon. It might be easier to work with. I could also change my hose head to pull slightly less mixture, but it seems like 1 and 1/8 of a tsp is pretty close to the goal. I think I may have also put in 5 tbs instead of 6. Cannot remember now. I was also wondering if this kind of hose head mixer would just end up pulling only the water and excluding the granules since it has filters.

Every concentrate I’ve ever used has always said to use within 24 hours of mixing. It’s a good rule of thumb to use when you don’t have a firm answer.

Well, I guess I should make a new batch then.