From: Lester Kallus lkallus at earthlink.net> on 2001.01.10 at 12:25:33(5839)
I've finally found a cure (for me at least) which has been a piece of cake
to use and which has controlled the mite problem easily.
I started the winter season with one application of an insecticidal fog
(from Raid). Unfortunately, I left it in the room for a bit longer than
recommended and so damaged some of the more delicate leaves. I haven't had
to repeat that since.
I then purchased an electric sprayer from Black & Decker to facilitate
application of insecticides. I then applied Volks Oil alternating
semi-weekly with insecticidal soap. For the first time ever, I've made it
into January with no mites, no mealy bug and no toxic chemicals. The last
big application was about a month ago. Two weeks ago I found spider mite
on two plants and controlled those with just a hand sprayer.
I have access to several relatively big-time poisons but have made it
through with nothing more complex than oil and soap. I can't say enough
good things about the electric sprayer.l It hasn't clogged and it's been a
piece of cake to recharge given that it uses the same batteries as my dust
buster & electric screw driver.
Good luck with your infestations. You may well be able to control them
with something less potent than radioactive cobalt.
Les
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