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What kind of bug spray do you like?

17 years ago

I'd really rather not use any BUT I now have mealy bugs on my coleus. They are in the same room as the African Violets and I am trying to get rid of the bugs before they find their way across the room.

Can I spray something preventive onto the AVs? I have never sprayed anything but warm water onto the violets and I don't want to mess them up.

HELP

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Comments (5)

justaguy2
17 years ago
I would suggest moving the coleus outside and treating it there. If your nights still get cold, perhaps move it in the garage overnight.

As far as treating the plant for scale, try using an insecticidal soap first. Is this just one plant? If so consider just replacing it.
birdsnblooms
17 years ago
Beth, actually, I don't like any insecticide..The first thing I'd do is clean off entire plant, (in sink) washing leaves w/dish soap. Then, spray coleus w/rubbing alcohol..any additional mealy can be swiped off w/Q-tip or cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. You may need to apply a few applications.
Place Coleus in cooler location..Or as Justaguy stated, if you have a garage and your area isn't freezing, place there.
Yrs ago, when I first started growing plants, I used an insecticide called I-Bomb..don't know if they stil manufacture it, but it worked great..
BTW, if you decide to use a spray, do so outdoors, even if it says safe for inside use..The main thing is, isolate your Coleus before AV's catch these awful bugs..Toni
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User
17 years ago
I wouldn't spray anything on the AVs as they're quite sensitive. If you must spray something on the AVs, pls. go to the AV Forum & ask their advise 1st or you'll risk killing them.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
The very toxic I-bomb has been off the market for several years, and was never intended for indoor use.
bob123how
17 years ago
I've used safers, and it gave one of my plants the ebola virus and burned nasty black holes in it. I've had good success with a resmethrin (its a petroleum distillate) spray, although I've seen mealeys before the end of the 7 day wait period, despite me laying it on. I've had the most success with ready mixed neem spray called rose defense. It didn't burn my plants, killed all the bugs, and has a smell that's almost sweet, its hard to describe. Keep in mind though, I've never tried any of these on African Violets; only on succulents, orchids, and herbs. Good Luck.

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