Question
Hi Jeff and Jacob

I am growing sarracenia, flytraps, various sundews, and a Darlingtonia in an outside bog in Forest Grove, Oregon, in peat/sand/perlite mix. I had a problem with crane fly larvae for the 1st time this year and I was wondering if the Bayer 3-in-1 systemic disease/insect control works for these and, if so, when is the best time of year to use this as a preventive measure against crane fly infestation and do I spray the whole plant, soil, or just the crown of the plants, and how often is safe? or any other suggestions you may have for crane fly problems.

Grateful for your time,

Djoni

Answer
Hi Djoni,

That should work.  Bayer also makes a grub control granule that contains 0.2% imidacloprid for lawns that looks like it would work. (This product is exactly made for this problem.)  However, spraying just the plant would render them toxic without needing to put the stuff in the whole bog garden.  You might need to spray once in early May, then in late June again.  

Unless you are needing some fungal control, maybe try using just the rose and flower insect killer.  I read this year that fungi can develop resistance to systemic fungicides rather quickly, so saving that for when you really need it may be wise.

Good Growing!

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