Malathion 57%

Baizanator · January 25, 2013

I've had good success using this on our grasshopper epidemic but will it work on spider mites? Russet mites? Squash vine borers? Cutworms?

b54red · January 25, 2013

I have used Malathion in the past on spider mites when I was desperate and it is effective. The only problem is when used in a concentration adequate to wipe out spider mites it tends to burn tender foliage. I personally don't like applying something this strong to my tomatoes but have used it very rarely. I found using an IGR with permethrin and adequate soapy water to be just as good and it lasts longer. I usually apply it twice about a week apart when I see spider mites starting to be a problem. I never seem to spot them soon enough to wipe them out at the beginning of their cycle. I have now used the IGR for the past two seasons and it has been very effective; but one thing I have learned about spider mites is they are very adaptable to whatever poison I use on them over time. I'm just hoping they don't build a resistance to IGR.

January 25, 2013	#1
Baizanator Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hamilton, Texas Posts: 382	Malathion 57% I've had good success using this on our grasshopper epidemic but will it work on spider mites? Russet mites? Squash vine borers? Cutworms?

January 25, 2013	#2
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	I have used Malathion in the past on spider mites when I was desperate and it is effective. The only problem is when used in a concentration adequate to wipe out spider mites it tends to burn tender foliage. I personally don't like applying something this strong to my tomatoes but have used it very rarely. I found using an IGR with permethrin and adequate soapy water to be just as good and it lasts longer. I usually apply it twice about a week apart when I see spider mites starting to be a problem. I never seem to spot them soon enough to wipe them out at the beginning of their cycle. I have now used the IGR for the past two seasons and it has been very effective; but one thing I have learned about spider mites is they are very adaptable to whatever poison I use on them over time. I'm just hoping they don't build a resistance to IGR.