Easy method for spraying Insecticide

Several of my friends are asking me about pest control for their plants in the yard.  This year, 2009, has been especially bad for insects because of all the spring rains and lack of sunlight.  Insects such as Scale and Aphids have been attacking almost all my plants at the garden center.  Euonymus bushes were the worst I have ever seen them with Scale this year.  Many times I have had to recommend cutting the bush down to the ground and then spray for the bugs.  Of course, with a Euonymus, it will make a full recovery by next year.

So what is the best route to take when trying to control bugs?  First you must identify the problem.  You must know what kind of bug you are trying to control.  With so many different insecticides available, you have to make sure you are spraying the right one for the right bug.  Next, you have to make sure you know how long the residual is for the product.  Basically, how long it last on the plant and how often to reapply.  Seven dust is the worst because you have to reapply every time it rains.  I really like the liquid applications or even a wettable powder (WP).

Once you have identified the bug, you must pick the right product for the kill.  Sometimes the product is more of a repellent than a killer, that should be ok too as long as you apply it to all the plants that the bug might want to eat.  On the label of every product is a list of the bugs it controls.  Make sure you read the label really well before purchasing.

So what kind of insecticides are available?  Just about anything you can dream of exist in the open market.  If you walk into a big box store, you are bombarded by an endless row of chemicals for the yard.  Personally, I don’t know of any one product that does not do its job properly.  Just about any insecticidal soap will kill the bugs it claims it will.  What you have to keep in mind, though, is what plant are you spraying it on, and what is the safety of you and your animals.  READ THE LABEL.  I know that the label reads Greek most of the time, but with a little patience it will make sense.

Something to keep in mind with spraying a liquid oil on your plants is, don’t do it in the scorching hot sun of the middle of the day.  The oil becomes like a magnifying glass on the plant and can really reek havoc on the looks of the plant.  Spray the oil in the early morning or the late evening to help protect the plant.

One of my favorite insecticides is Neem oil.  Check out my in depth explanation on Neem oil in another blog called An Organic Fix For Plants.  It is safe for you and your pets, and can be sprayed even on plants that produce edible food.

With just a little bit of homework, you can have an insect free lawn and garden and it will make you feel good.

Happy Oiling