Do you think this will work?

[desertlzbn]

I have had a huge problem with mealy bugs, spider mites, and other assorted bugs.
I have a greenhouse that I only have a roof on at this point, so it is just the wooden standing structure, that has a paver floor right now, I have cleaned out all plants and containers in there, and need to know if starting over fresh would help with the mealy bug problem.

Would getting a BIG bottle of Malathion and spray the whole greenhouse down, solve my mealy bug problem?

I plan on emptying the whole thing out, bleaching every surface, then spraying every surface down with the bad bug killer stuff.
I think the mealy bugs were in my dirt, cause they sure did come back after this winter.
I hope they are not able to survive.
But should I do this, is the risk of using the bug killer junk worth it?
Is it that toxic to humans if you don't use it on SOIL or PLANTS?

I do plan on wearing long sleeves and pants and a mask when using the spray.

[Sherry_AK]

What about Neem oil?

http://www.organeem.com/neemoilitsuses.html

[Stepheninky]

Originally Posted by desertlzbn

I have had a huge problem with mealy bugs, spider mites, and other assorted bugs.
I have a greenhouse that I only have a roof on at this point, so it is just the wooden standing structure, that has a paver floor right now, I have cleaned out all plants and containers in there, and need to know if starting over fresh would help with the mealy bug problem.

Would getting a BIG bottle of Malathion and spray the whole greenhouse down, solve my mealy bug problem?

I plan on emptying the whole thing out, bleaching every surface, then spraying every surface down with the bad bug killer stuff.
I think the mealy bugs were in my dirt, cause they sure did come back after this winter.
I hope they are not able to survive.
But should I do this, is the risk of using the bug killer junk worth it?
Is it that toxic to humans if you don't use it on SOIL or PLANTS?

I do plan on wearing long sleeves and pants and a mask when using the spray.

Yes it might work and you could hose it all down after a few days.

It is kinda a touchy subject using chemicals and such as all of us have different views. Personally I have a try to be organic as possible approach but when that fails I will resort to chems.

The main thing I would figure out though is how the chem works. Dies it have to be eaten by the bug or if it is a contact chemical.

Malathion is a contact bug killer. You might need to repeat the spaying to be totally effective.

Also to prevent from recurring you might need to use something else to treat for ants around the area of the structure. If you get rid of the ants or reduce there numbers, then natural predictors will keep future mealy bug populations in check.

Up to you to decide what to use or not use in your garden.

Insecticidal soap might work but would probably be less effective and take repeated applications.

Anyways read up on the chemical as much as possible then you will have the info you need to better decide if that is acceptable to you.

[b54red]

I know that malathion has been effective for me in the past when spider mites get out of control; but I don't know about the others. Why not call your country extension office and see what they recommend for your problem?