Hi --
I've been informed by a landscaper to apply Merit granules in the spring
to combat scale that is attacking my shrubs (Rhododendron and Andromeda, top
branches are turning black).
Doing a Google search shows Merit Systemic Insecticide Granules used to
control grubs in lawns.
My questions: Is Merit the right thing to apply? Where can I buy it if it
is appropriate? I went to Home Depot and they do not have it. Local nursery
does not carry it either.
TIA for any/all input. (Z6,NJ)

The active ingredient is imidacloprid and it IS effective against
rhododendron or azalea scale. Ask for it by the chemical name or you could
look for it under a couple of other tradenames: Marathon, Admire, Premier,
or Premise. It is general use pesticide so larger garden centers should
carry it or you might be able to order it online. Be sure you read the label
carefully and apply according to directions. You can also try swabbing the
insects directly now with isopropyl alcohol.

pam - gardengal


"Twobtold" wrote in message
...
Hi --
I've been informed by a landscaper to apply Merit granules in the
spring
to combat scale that is attacking my shrubs (Rhododendron and Andromeda,
top
branches are turning black).
Doing a Google search shows Merit Systemic Insecticide Granules used
to
control grubs in lawns.
My questions: Is Merit the right thing to apply? Where can I buy it if
it
is appropriate? I went to Home Depot and they do not have it. Local
nursery
does not carry it either.
TIA for any/all input. (Z6,NJ)

From: "Pam - gardengal"
pG06d.120655$MQ5.22040@attbi_s52

The active ingredient is imidacloprid and it IS effective against
rhododendron or azalea scale. Ask for it by the chemical name or you could
look for it under a couple of other tradenames: Marathon, Admire, Premier,
or Premise. It is general use pesticide so larger garden centers should
carry it or you might be able to order it online. Be sure you read the label
carefully and apply according to directions. You can also try swabbing the
insects directly now with isopropyl alcohol.


Thanks Pam

Horticultural oil will be way cheaper, safer, and more effective.

Toad

Any suggestions on preventing/removing thistle?

On 27 Sep 2004 20:19:02 GMT, (Twobtold)
wrote:

I've been informed by a landscaper to apply Merit granules in the spring
to combat scale that is attacking my shrubs (Rhododendron and Andromeda, top
branches are turning black).
Doing a Google search shows Merit Systemic Insecticide Granules used to
control grubs in lawns.
My questions: Is Merit the right thing to apply? Where can I buy it if it
is appropriate? I went to Home Depot and they do not have it. Local nursery
does not carry it either.


Imidacloprid granules are listed on the the labels to use for scale,
but I would think a liquid application would show quicker results. I
forget what the Home Depot type stores "home name" for their product
that contains Imidacloprid are, but you may look at the true nurseries
for products of Merit II or Merit Wp or Marathon WP, which are
apllied as a liquid (if they aren't resticted use products). You
might also look at Pest control "supply houses" that may also sell to
the public.


Lar. (to e-mail, get rid of the BUGS!!


While looking in the mirror a bit ago,
I noticed that I look more like myself
now than I did a while back.

In article ,
"StanB" wrote:

Any suggestions on preventing/removing thistle?

Have you tried smoking it?

"Musky Lure" wrote in message
...

"StanB" wrote:

Any suggestions on preventing/removing thistle?

Have you tried smoking it?

It gives me a wicked cough. I usually just yank it whenever I see it but
those roots are pervasive.

I
forget what the Home Depot type stores "home name" for their product
that contains Imidacloprid are, but you may look at the true nurseries
for products of Merit II or Merit Wp or Marathon WP

Bayer advanced lawn and garden is the product that is commonly available. You
can also find it in dry formulation(meant for lawns) under various names.
Merit is a restricted use formulation of imidacloprid, it is not available to
homeowners. I still say hort oil would be a better choice for scale.

From: (Marley1372)



Horticultural oil will be way cheaper, safer, and more effective.

Toad

I agree with cheaper and safer but not sure about effective.
I sprayed with hort oil in Spring of 2003 & 2004 but now the top 4 feet of the
shrube are in bad shape.
Leaves are an odd color and the branches are turning black. I need to try
something else to try and save them. Merit was suggested so I thought I'd ask
in here before I tried it.
Thanks for all the replies.

"Marley1372" wrote in message
...
I
forget what the Home Depot type stores "home name" for their product
that contains Imidacloprid are, but you may look at the true nurseries
for products of Merit II or Merit Wp or Marathon WP

Merit is a restricted use formulation of imidacloprid, it is not available
to
homeowners. I still say hort oil would be a better choice for scale.

Merit has been released in a formulation suitable for use by homeowners and
is now a GUP. Horticultural oil is only effective against scale if one is
able to time the life cycle correctly and the scale is not hard shelled. As
a systemic, Merit (or the Bayer Advanced Lawn and Garden, Marathon, etc.) is
likely to be much more effective. As with all pesticides, read the label
carefully and follow the directions explicitly.

pam - gardengal