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Originally Posted by MrSalvage
Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade
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I sprinkle around the base of plant stems, especially cucurbits, and will also sprinkle over container mulch to deter pests from moving in. I only apply to foliage when having a problem with hard-shelled insects, like stink bugs. Reapply after rain.
I actually use a squeeze bottle designed for condiments, with the tip cut off halfway, so I can get a blast of powder in the air. I will use a flour sifter too. Wish I had a blower. I try not to breathe the dust...
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Bonide - Pyrethrin, Garden Insect Spray Concentrate
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Last resort when there is a looming infestation and safer pesticides are not doing the job. Kills beneficials. Spray in late evening.
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Bonide - Thuricide, Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT)
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I sprayed every few days as a preventative once I started seeing moths laying eggs, or evidence of flea beetles, caterpillars. This year I am using Spinosad instead, which seems to work for at least a week after spraying. I didn't find Bt to be especially effective, but I was bad about reapplying every few days to maintain efficacy. I have never injected it into stems.
My go-to pesticide is neem oil and neem seed meal. I'm currently using Dyna-Gro neem oil, which I bought because it was relatively inexpensive by the quart, but it is nowhere near as effective as the Neem Pro 100% I was using previously. Turns out it only has 1400ppm Azadirachtin, whereas Neem Pro is 3750ppm. So now I am using twice as much per gallon water. So much for saving a few bucks.
Whenever I pot up seedlings, I put a few TBS of neem seed meal in the hole, and will occasionally top dress. Neem is systemic and will deter insects from feeding.
I have never used any of the other sprays you mention. I did have devastating fungal disease problems last year. I purchased copper fungicide but have never tried it out of safety concerns.