Question
Hey guys, I was wondering if you could answer a question about pesticides? I was looking at the e-book and saw where you said that the plants can build a defence against the pesticide. I use the Bayer systemic product that you showed on your utube video. I don't use it much mabey a total of five times in a year. What other product would you suggest I have on hand. I have heard that a product called "Take Down" can be used?? Thanks again.

Answer
Hi Jason,

The plants don't build resistance, the bugs do.  You would need to be using the insecticide quite often for that to happen, however.

One of the active ingredients in "Take Down", Pyrethrins we do recommend, but "Take Down" is mostly Canola oil.  This would probably be ok on Nepenthes, but would almost certainly damage sundews and butterworts.  See if you can find a product that is just Pyrethrins.  Usually you'll see Pyrethrins and something called Piperonyl butoxide which is a synergist.  The rest will be inert ingredients.  Often houseplant insecticides will have these ingredients, or pesticides for vegetable gardens.  Neem products also work fairly well.

Good Growing!

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