Re: [gardeners] Re: Hummingbirds and mealybugs
George Shirley (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Wed, 15 Mar 2000 16:08:50 -0600
margaret lauterbach wrote:
>
> At 12:37 PM 3/15/2000 -0800, you wrote:
> >Hi, and thanks for your input. I will try that this afternoon, first. The
> problem with
> >the nest is that it is attached to the face of one of the leaves in the most
> >heavily-infested areas. I am also afraid of blasting the mealy bugs all
> over the other
> >plants in the area.
> >
> >Normally, mealybugs don't attack anything we eat, and I feel reasonably
> safe in using a
> >systemic. Not in this case.
> >
> >A fellow from our local nursery recommended pyrethrin, some of which I
> bought. One can
> >use that right up until harvest, which means I can use it on our blood
> orange this week,
> >which has its first ripe fruit ready to pick:)
> >
> >I can also use this insecticide to attack red spider mites on the citrus
> and the black
> >nasties on the artichokes. It is reputedly much safer than malathion, as
> this new-to-me
> >insecticide is made from chrysanthemum extract.
> >
> >Thanks again for your kind suggestion.
> >
> >Ron
>
> Ron, just because a pesticide is plant-based, that does not make it safe.
> Check the LD (lethal dose) on pyrethrin. I've forgotten what it is, but as
> I recall, it's quite low (that means it doesn't take much to kill). Water
> won't blast mealybugs off that vine. If the nest is occupied, you shouldn't
> get near it, but if it's not occupied, move in with a spray bottle of
> rubbing alcohol. That will kill mealybugs. And do wear safety gear if you
> use pyrethrins in the citrus. George, any comments? Margaret L
Nope, seems like you covered it all except don't smoke or have open
fires near the place where you're spraying rubbing alcohol.
George