Systemic pesticide available in UK Solved

[DaveStoke]

I've read some advice recently suggesting using a systemic pesticide as a preventative measure, and was wondering if anyone can recommend something suitable?

I've done various Google searches and asked the question of a couple of plant suppliers, as well as asking in a couple of Facebook groups but without any success so far.

I did see one recommendation to use Bayer weevil pesticide watered into the soil, but that was for a specific infestation. I'm loath to take the plunge without further advice or recommendation.

I don't think I have a problem at the moment but have found some evidence of what I think maybe mealybugs on a couple of succulents, I haven't seen the insects themselves but did see the white cottony nest type on these plants. I treated these by cleaning off with 70% isopropyl alcohol and am keeping them isolated for the moment.

Having seen this, it's got me thinking of pests, hence my query for a hopefully preventative solution.

Apologies if this has been asked before, and hoping you can help.

Thanks

[Chris L]

Mealy bugs are really hard to get rid of if you get them badly due to their complex and long lasting life cycle. It is no good killing the bugs you can see if you leave the eggs behind that you can't see.

Any and all of these get used and/or mentioned:

Provado Bug Killer,
Bug Clear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer,
Rubbing Alcohol,
Methylated Spirits,
Neem Oil,
Water (from a hose pipe),
Soapy Water,
and Dynamite (when you are getting desperate.....)


Trick is to use a combination of all of them (except perhaps the Dynamite)......

[iann]

Bayer Vine Weevil killer was discontinued three years ago. Don't be fooled by the almost-identical-looking Provanto, it isn't systemic. You might still be able to find the good stuff for sale in dark corners, but probably old stock. Bug Clear Ultra is probably the only systemic available to the average gardener now. It isn't the best systemic root drench, needs high concentrations which can make it expensive. Other products can be imported from various European countries without any trouble although that's a legal grey area.

Just out of interest, are you planning to keep your entire collection permanently toxic, or is there a particular problem you want to address? Root mealies? Above ground? Mealies are unlikely to fly in from your next-door garden, so really they only way they'll arrive once you eradicate them is by you bringing them in. So eliminating you would be the best preventative

[DaveStoke]

Thanks for your reply, tbh I'd read somewhere that a systemic was advised as a preventative measure and that's all I really wanted, a preventative, but I definitly don't want my collection to be permanently toxic but it sounds like it's either that or just keeping on top of it with regular inspections, quarantine routines and a combination of topical treatments where needed which is the option I'll go with. I've currently got five succulents that had been affected by what I saw as small cotton wool like patches that I think maybe mealybug nests, and was just keen to prevent it spreading further if possible

[DaveStoke]

I meant to say thanks to you both for replying. In addition to above I'll try a combination of treatments mentioned by Chris where and when needed

[Chris L]

I meant to say thanks to you both for replying. In addition to above I'll try a combination of treatments mentioned by Chris where and when needed

SB Plant Invigorator (as a spray) is also supposed to do the trick.

The thing to remember is a single treatment won't solve the problem, but too much of one type of chemical and they get resistant to it.

Neem Oil (very bad smell) and SB Plant Invigorator work by coating the plant with a film that stops the bugs from feeding. Bugs don't become resistant, but repeat spraying is needed.

If you see a bug, or eggs deal with them there and then. That is the best method of treatment.

[DaveStoke]

Thanks Chris, I'm going to be a lot more vigilant in checking and dealing with, I already have some SB so that's a good start

By the way I got the 'solved' button by accident, but I guess in a way it is

[Smel]

Hi,
That's a shame I've just got some Provento thinking it was Provardo, which I have used it the past. While I keep both Cacti and Succs, never seen mealy bugs on the Succs! I suppose they like all the nookes and crannies on the Cacti. I also find that a 66% alcohol, 33% water mix (a spot of liquid soap helps) kills what you can see!

Think I'll use the Provento every 2 weeks and see how things go, I have 3-4 plants that are baddly effected.

Regards

Mel.

[el48tel]

Hi,
That's a shame I've just got some Provento thinking it was Provardo, which I have used it the past. While I keep both Cacti and Succs, never seen mealy bugs on the Succs! I suppose they like all the nookes and crannies on the Cacti. I also find that a 66% alcohol, 33% water mix (a spot of liquid soap helps) kills what you can see!

Think I'll use the Provento every 2 weeks and see how things go, I have 3-4 plants that are baddly effected.

Regards

Mel.

If it's Provanto that you have, then it's a maximum of 5 treatments per year for house plants.