How to Control Spider Mites with Sevin Dust
Spider mites are the bane of many gardeners' existence. One day you may gaze upon a lush, beautiful specimen, and 24 hours later you could find that plant cocooned in spider mite webs. Spider mites thrive in hot dry climates and can decimate a crop in days.
If your garden has them, then you have a mighty battle ahead, and it won't be pleasant. You can take heart in the knowledge that some relief to your spider mite dilemma is in the form of carbaryl, which has the trade name Sevin-5 dust. Apply Sevin-5 dust only after you first notice insects or leaf damage on your plant.
Things You Will Need
- Breather mask or breathing apparatus
- Eye protection
- Household latex or rubber gloves
- Sevin-5 dust shaker canister(s)
Tip
In addition to spider mites, Sevin-5 is also an effective deterrent against more than 65 other insects that can damage fruit, vegetables, ornamental plants and lawns. Sevin-5 works in two ways: contact with spider mites and ingestion by spider mites. Sevin-5 doesn't permeate a plant's exterior tissue. It remains on the plant's leaves, continuing to repel pests. Then it quickly degrades in the environment.
Warning
Carbaryl is classified as a neurotoxin and does present a health risk if it comes in contact with skin or eyes or is inhaled or ingested.
The active ingredient in Sevin-5, carbaryl, is a potent neurotoxin. So Sevin-5 should not be used in the proximity of pets and small children.
Sevin-5 was formulated exclusively for outdoor use, and it should never be used indoors.
Take appropriate precautions when using Sevin-5 by wearing a breather mask or other breathing apparatus, eye protection and rubber gloves.
Sevin-5 is extremely toxic to aquatic invertebrates. To protect the environment, do not allow pesticide to enter or run off into storm drains, drainage ditches, gutters or surface water.
Outdoor gardens often rely on beneficial insects to pollinate crops, and dust formulations can be especially hazardous to pollinators such as honey bees.
Sevin-5 should not be used indoors or on animals under any circumstances.
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Verify weather conditions are calm and dry. Plants treated with Sevin-5 dust are subject to phytotoxicity, and so conditions must be dry. Because you'll use the dust formulation of Sevin-5, conditions must not be windy.
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Put on a breather mask or breathing apparatus, eye-protection and household latex or rubber gloves. Ensure a proper fit to guard against toxic exposure.
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Apply Sevin-5 dust using the product's included shaker canister. Lightly dust the plant's leaves with a thin, even film of Sevin-5 dust, working backward in a crisscross application pattern to minimize introduction of Sevin-5 to your skin and clothing.
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Repeat the application process every two weeks until three weeks before harvest or a maximum of five times during the life of the crop. The application of Sevin-5 may accelerate the spider mites' reproductive process, necessitating multiple applications to ensure control of the spider mites.
The Drip Cap
- Spider mites are the bane of many gardeners' existence.
- You can take heart in the knowledge that some relief to your spider mite dilemma is in the form of carbaryl, which has the trade name Sevin-5 dust.
- Apply Sevin-5 dust only after you first notice insects or leaf damage on your plant.
- Verify weather conditions are calm and dry.
References
Writer Bio
Rick Swartz has been writing professionally since 1983. His work appears in "Sports Profiles Magazine" and "Gameday," as well as hundreds of North American trade publications. Rick has earned his Bachelor's in Business Admin from Northrop University, and now working on another degree in Web Development at Full Sail University.
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