From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

For those who are using Bayer to control SVBs how and when are you applying it. Are you also using grub x at he start of the season?

4/3/2019 1:05:01 PM

Central NY

No Grubb x here but using the tree and shrub...8oz per watering can...we start when about 5’ long...then every 3 weeks..when plant is full grown we water 3 watering cans down the main...I only sort of read the directions but seems just effective enough...still see a couple a year get in and die but more dead ones tryin to get in then not..I should just get the merit, probably cheaper...

4/3/2019 1:31:19 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Bill I apply Tree and Shrub at planting, again at June 15th

4/3/2019 1:37:18 PM

New Berlin, PA

I start off with a cheap granular product with imidicloprid (active ingredient in merit). From there I use tree and shrub product with 1.47% imidicloprid. I go for about 8oz per 1000 square feet, so if the plant is only 250 square feet I'll apply 2 oz. And increase according to plant size with each following application. I usually apply around every 3 weeks. Once the plant is fully filled in, and the pumpkin is cranking I usually work the product into my drench at a reduced rate, but bit more frequenty. I have also used tree and shrub product in foliar spray at 2 teaspoons per gallon. I also try to keep flowers pruned off to protect bees. I don't know for sure how detrimental it is to the bees, but I feel like its the responsible thing to do.

4/4/2019 7:55:08 AM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

If at all possible you should avoid the Dual-Action Bayer Tree & Shrub. The dual product contains Clothianidin which is extremely toxic to bees and has been banned in many countries. If you can only find the dual product I would suggest going online and ordering Merit from someone. Imidicloprid is also harmful to bees but not as bad as Clothianidin.

4/4/2019 8:33:38 AM

New Berlin, PA

Great point Larry. I use a generic tree & shrub product with only the imidicloprid.

4/4/2019 9:06:11 AM

Upper Strasburg, PA

We’ve been using Monterey B.t. almost exclusively for the last 3 years and have had practically zero insect problems. The only exception was when there was an explosion of cucumber beetles early in the year a couple years back and we used some Sevin on the leaves. We haven’t had any SVB issues and I have seen the moths, but no damage from the larvae.

4/4/2019 1:03:38 PM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

Thanks for years I never saw any SVBs but the last two years that has changed and had them take down the fruit.
Was concerned about over using it. There are bee hives not to far away.

4/5/2019 9:37:37 AM

On a cliff in the desert

Bill, look in my grower diary for companion plants to grow and pheromone traps to use if you are concerned about bees using pesticides.

4/5/2019 11:11:19 AM