Question
Dear Doctor Creed,
 I am fighting mealy bugs. They are on my succulents and chicken gizard aralias (small ones). I have the Bayer tree and shrub insect control, 1.47% imidacloprid, which we Canadians are allowed to bring across the border in small quantities.
 I would like to water my houseplants with it.
On iVillage Garden Web a dilution rate of 1tbs to 1 gallon was recommended.  That would be 15 ml to 3.79 litres, or 1:255, bringing the concentration down to 0.0058%.  Is that about right?
 And what about toxicity?  I am not consuming my plants, and have no pets, so am assuming there are no concerns there.
Thanks for caring, Stephen Tabah  

Answer
Hi Stephen,

Imidacloprid is effective against mealybugs. The dosage rates recommended on the Imidacloprid label for indoor use are one tablespoon per 0.6 gallon or 5.1 teaspoons per gallon. This is a stronger concentration than was recommend to you on iVillage Garden Web. I will let you do the math conversions.

Note that it can take several weeks or more for the Imidacloprid to translocate from the roots to the farthest stems. In fact, for plants taller than 5 feet, it may not be effective as a systemic. You may want to consider using it as a foliar spray (same dilution rate) for more immediate impact.

Handle any pesticide with care. Imidacloprid is less dangerous than many pesticides. If you are careful to avoid contact with skin and inhalation, you should be safe. If you use it as a spray, wear a mask.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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