Quote:
Originally Posted by Leafmite
dounoharm, I think the reason for the criticism is because people have different experiences with pests. I see it both ways.
I think that if one can expect that one will have reoccurring issues with insects or, for that matter, fungus, it is wise to treat on a schedule. If insects are not a usual occurrence, there is no reason to treat the plants unless a problem does occur.
One of the problems that can occur with regular treatments, however, is that the pests may develop a resistance. My mealy bugs and a certain type of scale seem to have become resistant to the systemic so I am trying Diatomaceous earth. I had some mealy bugs and scale but it seems gone so I think it worked. If not, I have Neem oil to try next.
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How did the DE work for your bug problem? I started using the stuff quite a number of years ago; here in Georgia we get just about every sort of bug, and other insects, imaginable. For the past year or so I've dusted every two weeks or so. I leave it on the plant a day or two before rinsing the DE off. I also have spread it in my kitchen, which had a nasty roach population when I moved in, and it's VERY rare I see a six-legged creature anymore. By the way, I buy food grade DE (since I use it in the kitchen) and wear a mask when I dust. I've also killed aphids on roses with it.
But what works for one person may not for another, and so I'm curious about your results.