Bayer 3-in-1
 

My plants are outside in summer. Need to kill any bugs prior to bringing inside for winter. Bayer 3-in-1 looks like a good, available product for that purpose.

Any suggestions for how to apply? Directions are 5-1/4 tablespoons per gallon of water and spray plants until wet but not dripping.

Thanks for any feedback

Charlie

I've not used the Bayer 3-in-1, but have had generally good luck with general garden pesticides and orchids. I usually treat my plants once or twice a year unless there is a "spot" problem. Lot of bugs in FL and I just like to keep the numbers down.

I try to mix up a batch of whatever I'm going to use (from concentrate). put it in the sprayer, and spray one or two "test" orchids. If they look fine two or three days later, the rest get sprayed.

I've used Triazicide the last couple of treatments without any problems.

Please post your results if you try. I like to rotate treatments and would try the Bayer next time.

I got the bayer 3 in 1 systemic and watered them heavy with it. Did it to a new batch of young plants that I got in and they haven't shown any signs of trouble.

Bob - I will post results when I'm finished.

Jonada - I looked for but could not find the systemic :( I was expecting to drench the pot mix. This 3-in-1 requires spraying and that is what concerned me.

Anyone else have experience spraying Merit (Imidacloprid) on orchids - it is the active ingredient.

Charlie

3-in-1 is a combination product. Imidicloprid (Merit) may be the insecticide, but it is not the only active ingredient. You also get tau-fluvalinate (a synthetic pyrethroid) and tebuconazole (fungicide).

Generally, I try to avoid multi-use pesticides, as I am usually only battling one thing, and the "extras" might be unknowns that might have some negative impact.

However, considering the plants have been outdoors and unprotected, I think a good 30 minute submersion is probably a good idea.

Ray,

"However, considering the plants have been outdoors and unprotected, I think a good 30 minute submersion is probably a good idea."

You suggest mixing the 3-in-1 and placing in a 'bucket or the like' an placing each pot into the mix ? I like the idea to kill the bugs -- any down side to re-using the mix from plant to plant ??

Charlie

Ray, I am so glad that you didn't think it was a really bad idea. I have had a couple of little bug problems lately and treated every one of mine to be sure. As we are now getting frost at night, I thought this may be a good way to head off a major problem.

If this is the product you have, I would agree with Ray, spray and soak. I have been using it for several years and have not had a problem. I put all my cymbidium, cattleya, cactus and succulents out for the summer and use a granular form in late July which is supposed to last 3 months which gets me to early October when I bring everything back into the greenhouse and I haven't had a problem yet... doesn't mean someday I won't. I also agree with Ray that one should treat a specific "malady" with a specific "prescription." Just as in medicine, using a "shotgun" doesn't always benefit the patient and may promote resistance to that treatment.

Yup, that is the one that I got. So glad to know that I didn't just hurt my babies.

I have used this product for two years to combat a scale infestation and as a general clean up before bringing the plants back into the greenhouse after a summer outside.It has been very effective and so far no signs of any problems.
DeAnne