Cypermethrin appers to be effective against Russet Mites

Mr. Bins

Member
I've been mounting a defense against a big infestation of Russet Mites in my flower room, as well as some thrips and powdery mildew. First I sprayed with Neem oil on top and bottoms of leaves. This only seemed to help with the PM. Then about a week later I hit them with Pyrethrin spray, top and bottom. I didn't seem to see much of an effect on either the mites or the thrips from this. Then, on a whim, I decided to try some Demon Max (Cypermethrin) that I have in a sprayer for use around the perimeter of my house. At first it seemed to kill about half of the Russet Mites. But this insecticide is very "residual" and as I've been checking leaves over time since spraying the Cyper I've noticed that now all or nearly all of the Russet Mites appear to be dead. The killed mites become more rounded and short, more oval-shaped like eggs, and also they take on a cloudy amber appearance. Because this was in no way an isolated or controlled test my observation needs to be verified but it would appear that Cypermethrin could be a useful control for the Russet Mite plague. Like Forbid 4F and Avid it's definitely not something you want to be smoking but, having used this pesticide around my home I feel more comfortable with some light exposure to it than I would to Forbid 4F or Avid. In veg I plan to rotate all 3 to ensure complete eradication.

For the thrips I sprayed Spinosad (Deadbug Brew) with an equal amount of SM-90. Their infestation is more scattered so it'll take a lot of sampling to say for sure whether they've been wiped out.
 
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