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Spray for bugs

Posted: November 16th, 2014, 12:18 pm
by Ben Thomas
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Something is eating port Jackson fig leaves. I have had a good look all over n under leaves and can't find the culprit. The only thing I found was a small light green triangular bug that flew off when I touched it.
I have Mavrik and Confidor in the shed, shall I give plants a spray with either?? Any suggestions?

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 16th, 2014, 2:44 pm
by Bougy Fan
It doesn't look too bad - I avoid spraying unless I have to. If it were here I would presume grasshoppers - I just catch them and behead them.

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 16th, 2014, 9:53 pm
by Phoenix238
Bougy Fan wrote:It doesn't look too bad - I avoid spraying unless I have to. If it were here I would presume grasshoppers - I just catch them and behead them.
Like the French Revolution? Viva La PJ Fig!

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 18th, 2014, 8:44 pm
by Ben Thomas
Well that's a lot of help.
Thanks.
Guess ill just drive out to Nescis , and ask Ray what to do.

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 18th, 2014, 9:05 pm
by Mount Nasura
Use pyrethrum spray, all natural so does no harm and the bugs can't stand it... Then go to the nursery Anyway.

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 18th, 2014, 9:13 pm
by Boics
Perhaps you did not receive much help as the general concensus was that it was not required?
That is my opinion.

Looks fine to me, leaves come leaves go.

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 19th, 2014, 4:18 pm
by shibui
all natural so does no harm
That's a very sweeping statement Mt Nasura and I have to disagree. There are many 'natural' but are also extremely toxic: Botulism, Ebola, Cyanide, fire and lots more. If you are just talking about plant products Nicotine and digitalis are both natural plant derived products but are highly toxic to humans.
Pyrethrum, both natural and synthetic (pyrethroid) is, like most 'natural' insecticides, non specific so it will kill bees, ladybirds, lacewings and other 'good bugs' along with the intended victims. The only way to 'do no harm' is to not use insecticide products.
There are very few insecticides , natural or not, that will 'do no harm'.

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 19th, 2014, 8:13 pm
by Guy
An organic neem oil spray(zero withholding period on crops) will deter the chewers and suckers and scale and won't kill those cute little resident spiders--slighly strange smell ,but used consistently in the cool of the evening seems to do the job.I use neem on organic guava crop. No full eradication but is a good help in management of nasties.

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 19th, 2014, 10:16 pm
by Mount Nasura
shibui wrote:
all natural so does no harm
That's a very sweeping statement Mt Nasura and I have to disagree. There are many 'natural' but are also extremely toxic: Botulism, Ebola, Cyanide, fire and lots more. If you are just talking about plant products Nicotine and digitalis are both natural plant derived products but are highly toxic to humans.
Pyrethrum, both natural and synthetic (pyrethroid) is, like most 'natural' insecticides, non specific so it will kill bees, ladybirds, lacewings and other 'good bugs' along with the intended victims. The only way to 'do no harm' is to not use insecticide products.
There are very few insecticides , natural or not, that will 'do no harm'.
I agree, my suggestion of 'does no harm' was intended as no harm to the tree and I did not elaborate any further which certainly leaves it open to all sorts of interpretation! :oops:

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 20th, 2014, 8:40 pm
by Ben Thomas
Thanks, some food for thought. I will look into it all.
Cheers

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 26th, 2014, 7:51 pm
by Ben Thomas
Found some neem oil. Used 2.5ml and 5 liters of water. Sprayed yesterday, see how that goes. Thanks for the tip

Re: Spray for bugs

Posted: November 26th, 2014, 10:00 pm
by Mount Nasura
all the best. look forward to updates.