Hey Folks, gotta problem with spider mites and the nearest grow shop is 200 miles. Our garden centers are closing out and all I could find was Malathion by spectricide, insect spray for fruits and vegies, is this safe for my girls and me and get rid of the spider mites? Thanks
Seriously people, I realize you're all potheads, but if you don't know what you are talking about, maybe you shouldn't be giving out advice about pesticides.
First:
Malathion is NOT systemic in any way shape or form, it is a contact insecticide. (NOTE, _INSECTICIDE_ not Mitecide.)
Second:
More importantly, although Malathion is listed for mite control (it really shouldn't be), it is a horrible mitecide. It's highly toxic to most mite predators, and has very low toxicity to the actual mites, this usually results in mite flare ups when used to control non mite pests. Imidaclopride (which IS systemic) also causes mite flare ups.
Third:
Malathion is one of the most toxic and most broad spectrum of all the currently available insecticides, essentially a last resort atom bomb. Although it's "safe" when used as directed, it's not something you want to be coming into contact with on a daily basis, IE, I'd use it outdoors, but not indoors, and not on something that's going to be eaten (or smoked).
Safe quick and effective:
Neem oil.
Insecticidal soap.
Lady bugs! They eat them like candy, aphids and most other pests as well. Obviously don't use them with any broad spectrum insecticide or they'll be the first to die.
A hose. Yes, in a pinch you can actually wash most of the little buggers off with a stream of water.
All are inexpensive.
For a little more horse power:
Abamectin (Avid) A VERY effective mitecide, with relatively low toxicity . . . at least compared to Malathion.
Follow the above with a growth regulator:
pyridalyl (Overture)
hexythiazox (Hexygon)
etoxazole (TetraSan)
These are NOT cheap, but you can find small quantities available on ebay if you're not going to need a whole gallon.
Growth regulators ether cause sterility in survivors, or keep the eggs from developing. They only effect arachnids like mites, ticks, spiders, etc. so have essentially zero toxicity to humans. Mite eggs hatch in 3 days, so make sure you time your sprays correctly.
BTW, Mites like dry and hot conditions, so keeping the grow area cool and damp will go a long way towards keeping the little bastards at bay. Also water or disease stressed plants are much more likely to be hit by mites.