redhawkbonsai

Eeiko, ya better cut that out!!! LOL

Just got back on the net and I’d been thinking about starting a thread like this a couple of days ago, after seeing the first signs of SPRING down here in south Texas (the Blue Bonnets and all my Bald Cypress’ are in bud/Bloom) and thinking about the “little critters “ and Insecticides.

I will say that everybody has their own methods of treating for them.
Here I have to treat on a preventive method. I try to spray an Insecticide, mite-icide and fungicide (all in one, also can be mixed with fertilizer too) at least every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. I use a couple of brands of systemic organophosphate insecticides/fungicides.

It is not the systemic that is the problem; it’s the type of organophosphate being used on the wrong plant. I have yet to find a fungicide, used properly, that will harm any tree.. I found that Ortho makes a couple of types that are very effective for my problems “Orthenex” & “Systemic Insect Killer”. Both have Insecticide, mite-icide and fungicide in it and they both take care of all my problems, without using Neem oil, Kelthane, or Malathion – see below.

Kelthane was taken off the market by the EPA sometime in the late 80’s because Kelthane was said to be a carcinogenic.

Don’t trust any organophosphate they all can be carcinogenic.

Always wear protective gear when using them!

I have seen Kelthane is back on the market (hum strange huh, EPA) this is the best to combat spider mites on junipers, but not on elms…see below.

For example, coming from a long time using these chemicals I have experienced...

1)Do not use Neem oil on any type of elms, it will defoliate them and can kill them.

2)Do not use Kelthane on any type of elms, it will defoliate them and can kill them.

3)Do not use Malathion on Buttonwoods it can kill them.


*Neem oil and Kelthane are usually used in a systemic insecticide and I suspect this is where you are relating to “no systemic on elms”.


With having several quantities of many types of species with different types of insects attacking them “Ya gotta keep your guard up”. Just to name a few problems when growing bonsai here...

* Spider mites can attack very fast and this happens all growing season.
Has anybody lost a juniper from spider mites? Of course you have if you been doing bonsai a while.
Red spider mites will kill them almost before you can notice they are there. You’ve heard “if you see the signs (webs) it’s probably too late”.

* Cuban Laurel Thrips can and will attack several different types of Ficus ALL during the growing season.

* “The Boogie worms” (not identified yet, little green warms) that ONLY attack bougainvilleas during the summer.

* White flies, aphids, scale, grubs and snails (not insects, but still a pest) come and go during our growing season.

Be glad you’re not down here doing bonsai…sometimes we say BONZAI to the critters! LOL

Good hunting,
redhawk

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