Merit (Was: Slugs & Science, a question)
- Subject: Merit (Was: [SG] Slugs & Science, a question)
- From: G* O*
- Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 07:15:26 -0400
Brian,
I have used Merit for several years to control chewing insects on my
tropical hibiscus during the winter in the greenhouse (I do not use it when
they are outside in the summer). It is specific for chewing insects, and
one dose lasts about four months (not all season). It may be toxic to
slugs, but IMHO is an inefficient and environmentally unfriendly way to
control them. It is really, really expensive ($105.00 for 5 lbs.), although
a little goes a long way, so I've been working from the same bottle for years.
By the way, one downside of its use indoors is that it does not control red
spider mites, and in fact, makes the problem with them worse.
I've been using Sluggo this year for the first time around my hostas, and
though it is not an overnight cure, I have had little trouble with slugs
for a change.
Gerry
At 05:43 AM 8/24/01 -0500, you wrote:
>
>The question revolves around the use of the product " Merit " (
>manufactured by the Bayer corp. ). The local garden center sells three
>different preparation ( using the generic name for Merit ). The labels,
>taken collectively, cover grass / trees & shrubs / ornamentals. It is a
>systemic, and states that the period of protection is all season. The
>label goes on to state that the product is very toxic to " aquatic
>invertebrates " . The label neither includes or excludes Hostas or slugs.
>Does any one have the science or experience using this product and Hosta.
>
>Thanks in advance, Brian ( Slugging it out in Northwest Indiana )
>
