FAQ
Insect Control
I have noticed little black flies around my houseplants. What are they?
It sounds like you are describing Fungus gnats. Fungus gnats are common pests in houseplants throughout the U.S.
I have browsed your web site trying to find out what household pest I have. To me, the pest looks to be fruit flies in my houseplants but, the only thing that I could find that looks similar is Fungus gnats. Do Fungus gnats look like fruit flies?
Often times Fruit files are mistaken for Fungus gnats. Fungus gnats are black or dark brown flies and measure approximately a sixth of an inch. They look somewhat like tiny mosquitoes because when flying their legs are noticeably long and gangly. Fruit flies tend to be bigger than Fungus gnats. Fruit flies measure approximately an eighth of an inch and are plumper and easier to see than a small Fungus gnats.
I have small, green worms on my cabbage and cauliflower and they are eating holes in all the leaves. What are they and what can I use to save my vegetables?
These worms are most likely cabbage loopers. Apply Bonide’s Thuricide or Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew, as they both contain a bacteria that the worms (caterpillars) will ingest and then die. It works very well on worms and caterpillars without harming beneficial insects. These two products can be used up to day of harvest on cabbage and cauliflower.
There are several large, green worms eating the leaves of my tomato plants. What kind of worm is this and how do I get rid of it?
This large caterpillar is most likely a tomato hornworm. To control them, apply Bonide’s Thuricide or Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew, as they both contain a bacteria that the worms (caterpillars) will ingest and then die. It works very well on worms and caterpillars without harming beneficial insects. These two products can be used up to day of harvest on tomatoes.
My lawn is dying and in the dead areas, the grass mat pulls easily from the soil. What is the problem and how can I solve it before I lose my entire lawn?
Chances are you have grubs, the larvae stage of Japanese, or June Beetles. To make sure, you need to dig into the soil along the edge of the affected area. These worms are white with a brown head and will be curled up in the shape of the letter C. If you find them apply, Bonide Annual Grub Beater, Eight Insect Control, Systemic Insect Spray RTS or Insect and Grub, according to the label’s directions.
We have a problem with mosquitoes, not only flying around, but in our shrubbery. Can I effectively control them?
Since mosquitoes are flying insects, it can be harder to control them. With timely pesticide applications, using Mosquito Beater Ready to Spray, Eight Insect Control Yard & Garden, or Malathion in the early morning or late afternoon in and around shrubs, lawns and other areas where mosquitoes congregate, control can be achieved. Look for areas that retain water and drain them, as this is where the mosquitoes breed.
Recently I planted some bedding plants in my flower garden and several days later noticed they were cut off at the ground, what caused this?
Cutworms are most likely the culprits. They feed on young plants and will eat through the stems causing the plants to lie down like they have been cut. Apply Eight Insect Control Vegetable Fruit & Flower, Garden Dust, Eight Garden Dust, Dragoon Dust or Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew Dust around the base of the plants to control these soil pests.
Are there temperature restrictions for using Eight Garden & Home Ready to Spray?
For best results, apply when temperature is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use Eight Yard & Garden Ready to Spray on my fruits and vegetables?
The label lists many fruits and vegetables. Please refer to the label for particular plant.
How does BT work?
Insects ingest it and stop feeding.
Can I use Fruit Tree Spray as a dormant spray?
Fruit Tree Spray is not a dormant spray. Bonide's All Season's Horticulture Oil and Liquid Copper Fungicide can be used as dormant sprays.
Why does Fruit Tree Spray say not to exceed 2 sprays per year on apples, but lists 6 stages to spray?
Depending on the issue one has, determines the time to spray. You should pick the 2 times that would do the most good. Also a good idea to rotate different products.
Why can't I spray Fruit Tree Spray more than twice a year on apples?
Testing data, which is on file with the EPA, determines the amount of sprays that can be applied.
My Fruit Tree Spray Concentrate has separated. Is it okay to use?
Fruit Tree Spray can separate. Shake it very well to get it back into solution. It should be milky white in solution with no yellow undertones.
How long before I use the area should I apply Mosquito Beater Repellent Granules?
Apply at least one hour before using area.
How long will Mosquito Beater Repellent Granules last?
It may be effective up to 3 weeks depending on weather.
How large of an area should I treat with Mosquito Beater Repellent Granules?
Always treat an area larger than what is to be occupied.
Can I apply Mosquito Beater Repellent Granules to water?
No, but please consider using Mosquito Beater Water Soluble Pouches instead.
Are there temperature restrictions for using Citrus Fruit & Nut Spray?
Yes, do not apply below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should people be kept off treated area after spraying Citrus Fruit & Nut Spray?
Keep all persons and pets away from treated area until the spray is thoroughly dry.
How long must I wait before I can pick listed fruits or vegetables after applying Citrus Fruit & Nut Spray?
How long must I wait before I can pick listed fruits or vegetables after applying Citrus Fruit & Nut Spray?
How long should children and pets be kept out of area after spraying Tomato & Vegetable?
Keep all persons and pets away from treated area until the spray is thoroughly dry.
How long must I wait before I can pick fruit or vegetable after spraying Tomato & Vegetable?
It can be used up to day before harvest.
How many times per season can I spray Tomato & Vegetable RTU?
No more than 10 times per season.
Can I use Systemic Insect Control on my vegetable garden?
No, it is not for use on edibles.
Can I use Systemic Insect Control on my lawn?
No, it is not listed for use on lawns or turf.
How long after applying Systemic Insect Control can people or pets enter the area?
Keep all persons and pets away from treated area until the spray is thoroughly dry.
How long must I wait before reapplying Systemic Insect Control?
7 - 10 days
Can I spray Annual Tree & Shrub when the plant is flowering?
No. Do not apply when plants are flowering. Apply before bloom or after all flowers fall off.
How do I use Annual Tree & Shrub as a spray?
Mix 1 1/2 tsp per gallon of water. Spray to wet foliage (Leaves, stems and branches) thoroughly. Get undersides of leaves as well.
How often can I spray Annual Tree & Shrub Control?
Spray every 10 -14 days as needed. Not to exceed max. rate per year.
Can I use Annual Tree & Shrub as a drench?
Yes, mix 1 ounce of product per inch of tree circumference at 4.5 ft. Example: If circumference is 10 inches mix 10 ounces of product in a gallon of water. Pour around base of tree. If circumference is more than 50 Inches mix proper amount in 2 gallons of water.
How often do I drench with Annual Tree & Shrub Control?
Once a year.
Can I use Eight Garden & Home Ready to Use Indoors?
No, it is not listed for indoor use.
Can I use Eight Garden & Home Ready to Use on my lawn?
Yes, several hours before applying to lawn, wet the grass thoroughly. Do not mow or water lawn for 24 hours after applying Eight Garden & Home RTU.
How long before my dog can enter the area after spraying Eight Garden & Home Ready to Use?
Do not allow people or pets to enter treated area until spray is thoroughly dry.
Can I use Eight Garden & Home Ready to Use in my vegetable garden?
Yes, check the label for the vegetable you wish to spray. Be sure to follow the PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval).
Can I use Eight Garden & Home Ready to use on fruits?
No, fruits are not listed on the label.
Will Eight Yard & Garden Ready To Spray kill tent caterpillars?
Yes, spray the tents in the evening when the caterpillars are young and the tents are first noticed. Spray on all sides.
How long before my dog can enter the area after spraying Eight Garden & Home Ready to Spray?
Do not allow people or pets to enter treated area until spray is thoroughly dry.