Has anyone has any experience [good or bad] with any of the following :

1. Merit

2. Marathon

3. Safari

I've heard these names kicked around for a while... and I've heard a few good and bad comments... but I'm looking for actual experiences.

Also... I would like to know about the 'strength' of application mixes... i.e.
how much of the concentrate to mix in how much water.

Any help would be appreciated... Thanks in advance... Curtis.

By the way... I have done a search for these on this Forum... and have read the posts...
I'm just still looking for the experiences of others...
Thanks...

Merit and Marathon are trade names for a pesticide generically known as imidacloprid. Fairly effective against a wide range of orchid related pests. Imidacloprid is found in a wide variety of pesticide products, both commercial and home owner oriented. Many of the discussions that focus around these products don't always address the concentration of actual imidacloprid in the product in question. Human drugs are available to their prescriber in a wide range of strengths. The Dr. follows guidelines that meets the needs of their patients. Because of the way pesticides are required to be labeled, this information is somewhat elusive unless you're using commercially oriented formulations with a fairly complete label.

Safari is dinotefuran. This material is what might be described as several generations removed from imidacloprid, but it is in the same family of chemical activity. It is much more systemic and mobile within the plant and has about the same level of hazard to humans as imidacloprid, both have a Caution designation.

I've used both and would favor Safari. It is not an inexpensive solution and is generally only available to those making purchases targeted at commercial usage.

not sure which pests you're targeting, but one problem with imidacloprid is that it does not kill spider mites.

pyrethrines are mild but effective on spider mites, just have to be careful of using on paphs in preparations where they are mixed with oils...

Merit and Marathon ...


well put...

Very good thread. Now I more prepared if any nasties chew up on my plants.

You can't get this one without a licence, but diazinon is supposed to be an amazing pesticide towards mealybugs.

Diazianon has been banned in the USA. See attached.

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/diazinon-factsheet.htm

Safari isn't a restricted use pesticide, as such it should not require a license for purchase.

Thank You to all that have responded...
I now have a 'Plan of Action' to follow...
I'm going on a 'Safari'...
and the white squigley... and the brown hardshells had better watch out...
'cause I'm going to be carrying an expensive but BIG calibre gun...

Thanks Again... Curtis.