A stinking mealy bug!

[Pattywack]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Pesticide companies sometimes suffer under different regulations and laws in different US States, and other countries. A product sold under a specific name, with a recognizable label and packaging, may not be formulated the same in different States or countries. Identically formulated products may be sold under different names, with different labels and packaging, in different States and countries. And, the formulation of a product may change over time, while always having the same, recognizable label and packaging.

What matters is what is in the product. You have to read the fine print on the label. Every pesticide product sold in the US shows, in detail, what it contains.

A similar situation holds with over-the-counter pharmaceutical products sold in the US without a physician's prescription. Formulations change over time, especially if ingredients in the old formulation are withdrawn from the market. The packaging and name stay the same, and the consumer who doesn't read the ingredients never knows.

It is against the law in California to recommend a product for killing bugs that are not specifically listed on the label, on crops that are not specifically listed on the label. This is not the case in Arizona, nor some other States. People speaking to plant clubs in California usually know this, and refrain from mentioning products in their talks. I'm in Arizona as I write this.

ES, this is the label showing ingredients. Leafmites links have more information. Lable states: For outdoor residential use only. This is a 24oz. ready to use spray.

If Bayer products are for roses and other garden plants, I would assume they all state the "outdoor use" on their labels.

[rbarata]

Cyfluthrin is not systemic. For this reason only I wouldn't use it.
As far as I've seen it is much more toxic than imidacloprid. You can also look for something with thiacloprid which is an upgrade to imidacloprid.

[Leafmite]

Always follow the recommendations for pesticides and fungicides on the bottles. They are there for good reason. If they are not recommended for indoor use, do not use them indoors. Or, before you do, read the toxicity sheets put out by various governments that list the results of long-term, studies, lab tests and rate the potential for permanent damage (i.e. cancer, vision loss, breathing issues....). The CDC and other US government sites posts this information online as do other governments.

A quick look for toxicity for Malathion, my pesticide of choice for the fruit trees, for example:

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp154.pdf
Malathion General Fact Sheet
Malathion - toxicity, ecological toxicity and regulatory information

[Dollythehun]

Synthetic phyrethroid, long residual. You could (obviously) spray outside, dry and bring in. I know you knew that...

Tempo Residual Insecticide - Pest Management - Bayer

[estación seca]

Pyrethroids are semi-synthetic derivatives of pyrethrin, which comes from a species of Chrysanthemum. (I think the genus has been changed, but that's what most people know it as.) They have the same mechanism of action of synthetic organophosphates like malathion and sarin gas. In other words, they can harm humans, too. We are better than are insects at metabolizing them, so pyrethroids aren't as dangerous to use as are things like malathion or sarin, but it is still a good idea to take careful precautions with them.

Many pyrethroiods are classified as "organic pesticides", thus acceptable for use on organic food. You thought "organic" meant "no pesticides?" Silly you.

[Dollythehun]

More chemicals have been invented since the late 1800s than in the rest of history. ES you and I are on the same page. IF the care was taken with all chemicals as Patty is taking, it would be a safer environment. I only meant to say that it could still be used and be of benefit even if labeled "outdoor use." I looked at my bottle, purchased 6 months ago and mine also lists Merit as an active ingredient.

This weekend we have sprayed Liquid Fence, RoundUp, and Immunox fruit tree spray with Malathion and Over the Top. Without these chemicals, it would be impossible to maintain 5 acres. Do we read labels? Yes. Do we act responsibly, yes...do we spray in shorts and flip flops, no. Every action we take has benefits or consequences, a wise person weighs those carefully.

[Pattywack]

Thank you everyone for your help and advice, I really appreciate it. I had a busy Mothers Day with my husband and children and our weather was beautiful! I bought the Bayer 3 & 1 and managed to treat the Seiryujishi outside yesterday late afternoon. I used rubber gloves, wore long pants & sleeves and there was finally, no wind. I let the plant sit outside on my potting bench until it was dry and brought it back inside.

This morning it looks fine so I plan to treat the other plants as well. Weather is cooperating, going to be another beautiful day. Clear blue "Texas" sky! I do miss those skies.

I've no idea how those of you that grow outside deal with the many pests involved! Do you treat with pesticides as a preventive? I believe birds might be a problem for me and I would hate to poison any.

[Dollythehun]

Patty, we have glorious birds! We are careful how and when we treat our plants and except for drenching our trees (EABs) we stopped using systemics outside.

This weekend we have enjoyed all the normal birds plus a pair of Indigo buntings, two pairs of Rose breasted grosbeaks, Orioles, and our resident bluebirds. And, yes, Indiana is finally beautiful too!