Thrips and Vandas...darn my blasted spike!

[Des]

I use sticky pads it is far safer . Also thrips lay teir eggs in the media and H2O2 kills the eggs

[JennS]

I appreciate the advice, but unfortunately as I grow outdoors and under trees, near shurbs, etc., I don't think the sticky pads would suffice. I know people don't like Malathion, and in the future I will buy something more environmentally friendly, but as I have it, I might as well use it. I also feel confident in it's success as I have used it to battle spider mites before and won, which have been very tricky for me to win on before.

I did not know that about the Hydrogen Peroxide, so Thank you! Too bad these are all bare root, but I may just spritz the roots with it occasionally to keep them from hanging out there!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by JennS

I know people don't like Malathion, and in the future I will buy something more environmentally friendly, but as I have it,

Malathion isn't unfriendly unless you apply it incorrectly. Unfriendly are the chemicals known to cause a problem to the environment in any concentration. Did I cause a blurp in the thread here?

[Des]

You are right sticky pads won't help in your growing situation . I grow in a shade house under 50 percent shade cloth . i have inserted led's into the centre of the sticky pads ,which attract flying bugs to their doom at night
We are very concerned about poisons here in South Africa .As we had a death by poisoning a little while ago by a person who enjoyed walking around his garden and GH without footwear. It is a big wake up call for me as i have also suffered from the effects of insecticide poisoning . When you are young fit and healthy you tend to think of yourself as bullet proof . However when you get to be a grey beard like me you discover just how stupid you have been when it comes to taking precautions while spraying poisons even taking a shower after spraying will help. So many people don't realize just how easily their children playing in the vicinity of their GH can become poisoned . There is also some evidence that some poisons are can cause cancer in children . so why take the chance even if it is remote . Look for an alternative to poisons I will only use poisons if I can' find any alternative
Well enough from me i will get off my soapbox now , but I will be happy if only one of you guys have taken note of what I have tried to tell you !!

[Swamper]

Thanks Des. your concern and info are appreciated

[JennS]

Originally Posted by Ross

Malathion isn't unfriendly unless you apply it incorrectly. Unfriendly are the chemicals known to cause a problem to the environment in any concentration. Did I cause a blurp in the thread here?

No blurp caused. I appreciate the information.

To apply correctly, I assume you mean, apply directly to the plant, follow all label warnings (ie. do not handle with bare hands, contact skin, etc.) and do not allow extra runoff into the ground? Am I missing anything?

[Swamper]

avoiding extra runoff into the ground is gonna be tough for me...I'll put up sign that reads "do not walk barefoot"