From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Duxbury,Ma.

Been using merit WP but getting hammered. anyone like crosscheck?

8/4/2015 5:17:39 PM

Goodwood, Ontario, Canada

The only problem with Merit WP is that the bug has to chew the plant before the insecticide kills it. I like Matador that kills when the bug lands on the leaves etc.

8/4/2015 6:39:21 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Lesko brand cross check.... Yup use all the time.. I also like demand cs .. Like warrior .. Another great systemic is safari expensive however the kins we grow r too... That is suppose to last for up to 90 days... Shh keep that a secret I have been using it for years.. 12 oz jug lasts a very long time

8/4/2015 10:18:05 PM

Cincinnati,OH

To keep those bugs under control you need a contact and a systemic insecticide. Don't fall for that 90 day claim. I spray every 4 wks. 3 if the pressure is high.

8/5/2015 2:48:01 PM

Duxbury,Ma.

if the plant has merit in the system , then when the svb lays the eggs the eggs need the plant to survive. So i would think that the eggs would die when trying to develop.

8/5/2015 3:49:05 PM

Cincinnati,OH

That's true. Since I went systemic no problems with them. But, squash bugs can carry YVD. One munch and your plant is and anything on it is toast. You want to make your plant as unpleasant as possible. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=185986

8/6/2015 8:54:52 PM

Bethlehem CT

I believe cross check has lot's of properties that actually deter insects from entering an area. They won't come into your patch if you have that stuff on your plants. They will fly somewhere else. Kind of like when you use bug spray for mosquitos. They will fly around you, but won't land on you.

8/7/2015 7:12:46 AM

Duxbury,Ma.

thanks everyone for your input.

8/8/2015 3:30:37 PM

Massachusetts

I'm late to the party but I want to share this fact sheet from OSU...
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/pdf/2153.pdf
I find it to be a concise and useful summary of the SVB life cycle and I think the chemical control section has important timing info when using a contact insecticide like bifenthrin(crosscheck).

8/8/2015 7:04:09 PM

Duxbury,Ma.

Thanks Tom , nice Sunday morning reading lesson .

8/9/2015 6:17:34 AM

Easthampton, MA

I've been using Bonide Systemic (same active ingredient as Merit - Imadacloprid) and I got hammered by SVB as well. I'm wondering if it is due to not applying at a proper rate. The plant grows so fast, I was thinking that I need to apply more frequently to account for the larger plant since the previous application.

The YVD warning is interesting. Hmm.. I really don't want to affect non-targets like centipedes, ants, bettles, etc. I've been applying it as granules, but a foliar spray seems like a better idea for ensuring proper uptake by the plant.

If your doing foliar sprays of Merit, or Safari for that matter, how often do you reapply? It has 8 week + protection but that seems too long based on my experience this year. :)

8/15/2015 12:56:23 PM

stoughton WI

I add every 10 to 14 days when pressure is heavy, I use bandit(75% imidacloprid) the bonide your using is a lot less. I know the 75% stuff is quite a bit more pricey, but well worth it in the long run. and if you spray it on at around dusk there is a lot less harm done to other beneficial insects such as bees.

8/15/2015 1:23:40 PM

Easthampton, MA

Thanks for the 10-14 day recommendation. Will do next year. :)

8/19/2015 4:39:02 PM