phrogg

I got some all natural 100% organic stuff called 'bugzyme'
supposed to kill aphids and mites, not too much luck with the mites (i have no aphids) You really have to drench your plants, and the stuff isn't really cheap.

My question:
It says it kills through enzymatic action (not up on definitions) And says it's active ingredient is citric acid... Is that what kills the mites? If so, can't i find some citric acid somewhere and dilute it?

Any other organic suggestions for killin my mites?
thanks in advance

phrogg

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Knore

If it was only the citric acid as the main ingrediant then that is why they arent getting killed..

Buy some Pyrethrum spray i have used it with great results against mites - especially the garlic pyrethrum spray it really drives them away

phrogg

i have some pyrethium spray...
i don't want to use it because it seems kinda dangerous to me, and it's aerosol...
this stuff says it destroys aphids and spider mites on contact
.18% citric acid, water, kelp, molasses, yeast

I got some citric acid (crystaline), and I'm going to dissolve it in some water and try to match the PH of 'bugzyme'

I don't see why it would advertise that it works, and the people at the store say it works, if it doesn't
It's not registered as an insecticide with the EPA because it's only active ingredient is citric acid
thoughts?

I'm saving my pyrethium for a last resort, it looks to me like it will kill them all instantly, (see supplemental labeling for agricultural use) does not sit well with me
citric acid does though

thanks for your comments knore

phrogg

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Knore

No problem -

Have you got "PYRETHRUM" or "PYRETHIUM"

cause i was talking about 'pyrethrum'.... pyrethium might be a totally different thing all together

I had no problems using pyrethrum on my outdoor plants - you just need to dilute it with some water

best thing is they usually dont come back - and most youll loose is a few weak leaves

organic

It's the same thing, a toxin that naturally occurs in the chrysanthemum, but a highly toxic one at that. My take on it is to use it with extreme caution, and as a last resort, like you would with any powerful substance.

Have you tried the simple soap & water mix, applied frequently? Or a vacuum to physically remove pests? Just a thought.

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Knore

oh ok thanks for clearing that up :

Havent seen you much around organic ?

I know its powerful.. thats why i dilute it - i have used the soap and water mix and didnt have very good results - so i used pyrethrum and they were ALL dead within 4-5days with minimal damage to the plant. Obviously dont use the full strenghth industrial grade stuff, the one i got was diluted already and suitable for in and outdoor plants (stated on the label)
So further dilution ensures minimal damage to the plant with maximum damage to the pest population.

Vacuum? haha why didnt i think of that !!

phrogg

I have that big can of the pyrethum or whatever it's called, how do i go about diluting it?
I won't do this though until my citric doesn't work, if it does i'm thinking i should post here because poeople could just go buy some lemon juice and put it in some water right? real cheap
No Organic, i have not tried soap sprays
regular dishwashing detergent?
phrogg

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organic

Yea phrogg, regular dishwashing detergent works fine. I personally like to use Dr. Bronners eucalyptus or peppermint soap, but that's just my preference. Poke around in this forum and there is a good thread on natural pest control methods, and after that search on the subject, it's been covered pretty extensively.

KC, I haven't been around due to harvest season for my berry farm, but I am starting to have some time to myself again, and am around on a semi-regular basis.

O

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phrogg

thankya kind sir, your input is much appreciated
berries, that's awesome... i pick wild ones round here
only got enough for a couple more pies

I got some Alconox from work (soapy soapy soap)
hopefully that'll work....

the citric acid does kill the mites... took off a leaf today with mites and look ed at em under the 30x to make sure they were alive...
sprayed em.... and no more mite movement
.18% citric acid is what bugzyme is... I'm guessing you wouldn't want to go over about .2% because it may burn your foilage???
thank you all for your help through these trying times
phrogg

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togglesnipermde

bugzyme also has a bit of urea in it also i think, that may be a part of its killing action, or maybe its food for...enzymes. i dunno, i thought it looked like a cool product too but it is expensive. it definately stops ants pretty quick, but doesnt seem to deter them much. looks like there are many more, cheaper, alternatives available

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