The Bromeliads are kept outside in 6" pots. Label doesnt mention bromeliads at all but I know that Merit is used by many growers so I wanted to hear from someone who uses Merit granules on their broms. I only used 1/2 teasp scattered around each plant because I want to be cautious with my collection and not kill any but now I'm wondering if the 0.5 strength is strong enough to prevent flyscale. I have a feeling most brom growers are using the 2.5 strength as mentioned in the previous reply.

I wouldn't spray anything now. Just cut off the dead branches and see if it happens again this summer. I don't think the roots have had enough time to grow enough to properly feed the branches yet. Sequoiadendrons aren't known for their good rootballs. (I've planted hundreds) It seems that if the problem were fungal, the damage would show up in a more general fashion rather than picking on a random branch or two. I don't have that problem where I live, so I am just speculating. Mike

First off I use to be in pest control, and they are not suppose to spray 25 feet of edibles, wildlife, or water sources. As for the chemical some have a residule that have been tested up to 10 years. It really depends on the chemical being used to do the pretreatment and the regular maintenace spraying. I know here in tennessee it is the state law they have to leave the chemical name on the receipt. So I would suggest looking at your ticket they left and if they didnt leave one I would call the company and ask them to pull your record to find the chemical being used. All pest control companies use different chemicals. Secondly I know this is way easier said than done, but I would advise not planting your edibles around the immediate perimeter of your home. Mulch, dead leaf matter, twigs, old mowed grass, plastic all contribute to pest such as termites and ants. I would suggest having your evergreen shrubs around the perimeter of your home maybe with rock in the beds but no untreated mulch. Thirdly subterranean termites are very rare here, they actually are different than the regular termite. They actually live under ground and dig tunnels under the house they are also harder to get rid of. So unless you plan on digging up your yard to get rid of your termites yourself I would stick with the proffessional let the blame be on him if they screw up. Finally a last thought, me personally as someone that has been in pest control and has seen the damage that a termite can cause and how fast it can over take a house, I wouldnt get rid of the termite inspections. Your house is the biggest investment you will probaly ever make. I never knew how important it was to have at least a termite contract but when I did find out all the damage one colony of termites could cause I thought people were stupid for not having contracts. Oh and some natural pesticides that are safe may work but you have to remember that it has to penetrate the ground for it to work. The standard for drilling the vents is one hole per 10 to 12 inches. Depending on pest in the area depends on the depth that the chemical can reach. So granted it may be safer to use chemicals that are safe to humans but if you dont know how to treat an area properly for the pest you are after then you just wasted your money and your valuable time.

I just went out and did the paper test and saw the little bugs moving around, also some webs. I couldn't find any horticultural oil in the stores, finding any kind of organic garden supplies in this town is a total pain. But there was a great selection of chemical pesticides, I could turn my yard into a toxic wasteland if I wanted;). I guess I will try to find some kind of home remedy on the web and/or resume my search for hort oil in another town tomorrow. If I just spray the mites with water, will they move to different plants, or does that kill them?