Question
Some of my plants in my various pools and trays are showing the distorted pitchers from aphid damage. I don't want the aphids to spread to my other plants and am wondering if a prophylactic spraying of the crowns and soil of all my plants would be appropriate.

I have three insecticides available currently; Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control; Bonide Rose Rx Systemic Drench (for soil drench); Bonide Systemic Insect Control.

Would you recommend any of the above for systemic treatment of the aphids? If not, is there an insecticide you would recommend?

Thanks again.
Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

Yes, you want to get on this right away.  The Bayer 3 in 1 and the Bonide Rose Rx Systemic Drench use the same ingredient, imidacloprid.  Of those two use the Bayer 3 in 1 so you don't get so much in the water.  You can just spray crowns.

With the Bonide Systemic insect control, look at the label.  Bonide has a couple different formulations.  One uses imidacloprid, same as the others, but one has Acephate (Orthene) as the main ingredient.  If you have the one with Acephate, that is what I recommend you use.  This time of year Thrips can cause damage that looks like aphid damage, and Thrips are immune to imidacloprid.  Acephate works very well, and will stay active in the plants for 30 days.  Be careful not to spray on anything in bloom since these products are super bad to Honeybees.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com