Product Spotlight: Propiconazole Select

            When people think of the word “pest,” most often the image of an insect comes to mind. The term “pest control” is widely used to refer to the process of eliminating and preventing bugs from entering the home or other areas. But, the definition of the word “pest” is much broader. A “pest” is anything that is a nuisance and/or detrimental to other living organisms. Insects do fall under this definition, but so other living organisms such as a fungus. Now you may not have to worry about a fungus crawling its way in through the sliding glass door and building a village within your wall void, but fungi can present a strong threat to your yard, including the lawn, ornamentals and trees.

            There are a number of fungicides available today and even more types of fungus that can cause harm. Of the long list of excellent products to use, the staff here at Solutions Stores has found a handful that we think will cover almost any type of fungus that you may come in contact with. One of those products is Propiconazole Select. We chose this product because the label is very diverse and can be applied directly to the plant life being harmed as either a foliar spray or systemically. Made by Select Source, this product contains 14.3% Propiconazole, a powerful fungicide.

            Residential lawns are suspect to a number of diseases: Dollar Spot, Brown Patch, Powdery Mildew, Summer Patch and Take-All Patch just to name a few. On ornamentals, various types of blight and rust can attack and kill in just a matter of weeks. What we like about Propiconazole Select is that it can be used on all those diseases and more. Sometimes pesticides can have very confusing labels when you are sitting there, trying to read through and figure out how to apply the product to eliminate the problem you are dealing with. The label for Propiconazole Select is very easy to read and is very clear on mix rates and application instructions for every disease it is labeled to control.

            For instance, let’s say you want to treat your yard for Brown Patch. On Page 5 of the label you will see a very basic chart with target diseases, one of which is Brown Patch. Once you have located Brown Patch, you would see that they recommend 1-2 oz. per 1000 sq. ft. But how often should you spray? Right next to the mix rate it recommends you wait 14-21 days between sprays. They also provide insightful instructions for each disease. For instance, with Brown Patch, they recommend you first begin treating in May or June. And when the temperatures really start heating up and humidity is high, they also say to increase the mix rates when applying as well as shorting the intervals between sprays.

            Check out our entire section of fungicides and find the one that is right for you. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (800)-479-6583 or shoot us an email at askapro@solutionsstores.com. 

Four Fangs of Fear

            Growing up and even now, I have always had two major fears, spiders and snakes. I am not alarmed by the sight of spiders nor am I afraid to squash one with my bare hand. But get me around a large tarantula and then you have got my attention. However when it comes to snake I have no partiality,  I dislike them all! Even the smallest Garter snake and you have my attention. Believe it or not, even when I was in college, just the simple sensation of a pet reticulated python lying on top of my feet had me shaking and sweating. I am like Indiana Jones in some aspects except I am not an archaeologist and I do not have a cool whip. I just do not like snakes.

            In all of North America there are around 130 species of snakes and not all snakes exist in every region. Snakes like most animal life have different habitats based on geographic locations. Fortunately for me, the most deadly snakes in this world all exist and are native to continent other than North America. Yes, North America does have poisonous snakes, but the 20 species we do have are comprised of only four types of snakes. Those four types are Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouth, Coral snakes and Copperhead. In total, there are two types of coral snakes, 16 species of rattlers and then the other two, none of which I care to come across. Due to the vast diversity our continent has however, no matter where one travels, the potential to find a venomous snake is always there, but sightings in most northern states and in particular those closest to Canada are far less likely than in the milder climate states.

Currently, Copperheads account for the majority of poisonous snake bites in the United States, but fortunately they also happen to have the least venomous bite of them all. Coral snakes and Rattlesnakes contain significantly greater toxic venom that Copperheads or Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins as some refer to them).  Cottonmouths are much more prolific in swampy, wetland areas such as Louisiana for example. While a Water moccasin bite rarely causes a fatality, if not treated properly, swelling and loss of a limb are strong possibilities. Coral Snakes have three distinct colors: red, yellow, black. The Milk snake has the same three colors as well, but you do not want to mix the two up. As I young kid, I was taught a saying that everyone should know and keep in mind when spending time in areas where Coral snakes exist. The saying is “red to yellow, kill a fellow, red to black, venom lack.” The saying is simple and straightforward. If the red bands on the snake have yellow bands on either side, then it is the poisonous Coral snake. But if the red bands are surrounded by black bands, then you are safe. And if you are like me, then you do not really care what the color is because you will not be touching it anyway. 

Product Spotlight: Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait

            I cannot recall many experiences in my life where I have seen the expression “you get what you pay for” proved wrong, but when it comes to controlling Fire Ants, Zoecon just may have a product that can allow you to effectively eliminate this painful and troublesome pest at a very low cost. While Fire ants have not yet found a way to make it into the parts of the U.S. that see months of cold winter temperatures, they have been successful when it comes to getting into pocket books of everyone who lives in the warmer climate states. There are several options out there for one to pick from when it comes to treating for this particular species of ant. Some products are designed to kill populations on a colony by colony basis. Granular based insecticides can offer up to one year’s worth of control, but can only be applied by professionals and can end up being quite costly for homeowners. So where does that leave the “do-it-yourself” homeowner that does not want to pay the price for a professional, but wants good lasting results? He/she needs a product that can effectively eliminate the Fire Ant population without eliminating all the cash in his/her wallet. One excellent choice is Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait.

            There are two active ingredients in this bait, Hydramethylnon and Methoprene. The first of the two is the main active which does the killing. Once the bait is gathered, worker ants bring the bait (food source) back to share with the colony. As the ants eat it, they ingest the Hydramethylnon which acts as a stomach poison, killing each ant in a short period of time. The Methoprene is designed to inhibit the reproduction of the queen which prevents colonies from growing and reproducing while the bait spreads its way through all ants in the colony.

            What makes Extinguish Plus such an affordable and effective solution is that one pound is enough to treat an entire acre! Fire Ants are foragers, so products like Extinguish Plus can be placed around mounds or as bait placements spread evenly throughout larger areas. If you decide to place some bait near a mound, be sure not to apply bait directly to the mound or disturb the mound in any fashion. Anything found on the mound by a Fire Ant is considered debris and is removed and not taken into the colony. Control of larger areas can take longer as the ants will have to forage to the bait placements before bringing back to share with the colony. The product label offers valuable information that can help you get the most out of the bait so that you can be satisfied with your results. Extinguish Plus truly is an economical solution for homeowners that are looking for an effective product with long lasting results. This bait can even be used on recreational fields and playgrounds so it is safe for children who typically spend more time outside. 

Insect Identification: Whitefly

          When most people think of doing pest control around the house, they are usually thinking of just that. Spraying insecticides, putting out traps, applying bait around the perimeter of the home. Truth be told, most pest control is done in and around the house. Beyond that many people then look to their yards, the grass as the next most likely place to be treated for annoying bugs. But areas such as flower beds, planted trees and other landscaping often go overlooked. The fact of the matter is those areas are just as susceptible to insect infestations as the home itself. And because these areas typically are not given preventative pest maintenance coupled with large numbers of prime habitat, insect populations can be particularly prolific and detrimental to host plants.

            One insect that meets the criteria above is the Whitefly. With over 1500 species identified, the Whitefly is a parasitic pest who feeds and survives off of plant life such as crops, trees, palms and many other host plants. An infestation of Whitefly appears as vast number of small white dots that appear on the underside of plant foliage. Since most plants are near other plants, transfer of the Whitefly from one host to another happens rapidly. Whitefly feed on host plants by tapping into the phloem of the plant which provides the nutrients to all parts of the plant. Phloem is similar to the human vascular system. Removal of vital nutrients from the plants does damage to the foliage of the host plant. Coupled with mold that is created from the honeydew that Whiteflies secrete, damage to plants happens in a short period of time once this pest appears.

Prevention and Control of Whitefly

            Take some time this weekend and go out into the yard to inspect your plants. Practically all types of plants are susceptible to Whitefly infestation so you will want to be as thorough as possible. Inspect each plant individually making sure to look at the underside of the foliage as this is where the pest makes its home. You are looking for small white dots attached to the greenery. If you find some, it may require more thorough inspection as often times White Powdery Mildew, a fungus, can be mistaken for Whitefly. Research online for pictures of both and once you determined that it is in fact Whitefly; you will want to treat all the plants in that area to eliminate and prevent the pest. One good choice is a product called Malathion 57%. This chemical has been around for a long time, and while it does have an odor, it can be used to spray directly on fruit bearing plants such as citrus trees.  As long as the fruit is washed, it is safe to eat as early as two weeks after application. Another excellent product is Imidacloprid 2F which is designed to be applied to the soil around plants and trees and then absorbed through the plant roots and eventually makes its way into the foliage through the Phloem. 

Product Spotlight: Malathion 57%

The summer really is the best season of the year. School is out, pools are open and fruits and vegetables are growing. Growing your own garden is one of those rewarding hobbies where you can literally see the fruits of your labor. And if you own a garden, you can probably vouch for just how much labor really goes into tending to plants. Observing rainfall amounts, placing plants in your garden according to the sunlight they require. And of course there is pruning, trimming, feeding and protecting. Depending on where you live, you may have to protect your garden from animals such as deer or from bad weather. But no matter where you live, everyone has to protect their plants from bugs. Bugs are everywhere and unfortunately can do some pretty significant damage to gardens. Often times preventative measures are necessary and will provide your plants with the best opportunity to grow happily and healthily.

            An old standby that has been used for years and years by many commercial farmers is Martin’s Malathion 57%. No need to worry, this product can be bought homeowners and requires no special license to use. Chances are your parents and even grandparents have used this product. Produced by Martin’s, Malathion 57% is a versatile product that be used on a number of plant types to kill a variety of insects. Once diluted with water, this product can be used on vegetables, fruits, nuts, ornamentals, trees, pastures and even yards. The specific use sites can be found on the product label that is located on the bottle. When using products directly on plants, first find the proper mix rate for the pest you are trying to eliminate as well as verifying the product is labeled for use on the plant or area you intend to treat. For the best results, we recommend applying to as much of the foliage as possible to the point of run-off. This ensures that the greatest possible surface area is covered and with an adequate amount of chemical. Capable of eliminating a multitude of pests, Aphids and White Flies are just two of the most common insect pest species. Malathion 57% is labeled for dozens of use sites including the most common residential garden inhabitants including: citrus plants, tomatoes, corn, squash, peaches, pecans etc. There really is not much that the label does not allow you to treat.

            Just like any other insecticide, we recommend you do not come in contact with any treated areas until the product has had enough time to dry. When spraying directly onto product bearing plants, we recommend waiting at least two weeks before harvesting and consuming and of course, wash the produce thoroughly before eating. So don’t let all your hard work this summer be destroyed by warm weather pests, order some Malathion 57% and protect your garden from invasive pests so that you can enjoy the your hard work in the fall. If you have any questions, visit our Contact Us page and speak with one of our helpful staff. 

Bed Bug Walking

          It is hard not to get grossed out anytime someone begins to talk about Bed Bugs. There are just a handful of creatures on earth that survive by feeding off another’s creatures blood, and of all those parasites, my least favorite would be the Bed Bug. Though weather can have an effect on the activity of this insect, bed bug populations do not diminish when the colder temperatures hit. No, this insect spends its entire life indoors and thanks to its nocturnal nature, most of the time; you will not even see it.

            For most people who have had an infestation of this bug, the first evidence of a problem is most likely a number of bumps or welts on the skin that appeared overnight. Similar to mosquitoes, Bed Bugs bite the skin and draw blood, which is their sustenance. Being a nocturnal insect means that most of the time, this bug is active and feeds when it is dark out. But, this does not apply to every scenario. In homes where the people work the nights and therefore sleep in the day, Bed Bugs have been recorded to become more active in the daylight because that is when taking a meal from the host is easiest. Whenever not active, this insect will group together in dark, protected areas to seclude themselves as well as provide protection. It is in these areas that the Bed Bugs will reproduce, go through the instars (insect growth) and even defecate.

            Because they prefer to be nocturnal, the best time for you to inspect the home is during the night when they will be out in search of a meal. It is recommended to begin your search near areas where people sleep, but with the ability to travel over 16 feet in just five minutes, you may even notice bugs in other areas of the home. Addition to the nighttime, hungry Bed Bugs are also more likely to move around than ones that have fed, (like an insect couch potato). Tell tale signs of a Bed Bug infestation are small reddish-brown stains on mattresses and other pieces of furniture. Tufts and seams are furniture is prime areas for them to hide out during non-moving hours, so be sure to check those areas when inspecting. Additionally, hitching a ride with a human is a great way for this bug to begin establishing populations in different parts of your home, so the sooner you discover the problem, the easier it will be to control and eliminate.

            The best Bed Bug treatments are the ones that are most thoroughly done; because they like to hide out in small, secluded places, the more invasive the treatments, the better the results. Products like Vector Ban Plus and Cimexa are excellent products designed to kill Bed Bugs quickly (and affordably)! For a good Bed Bug Guide, check out our website and watch the video as Keith properly explains areas to inspect and treat. Don’t forget, if you have any questions, just give as a call and we will help you “Do-It-Yourself!”

Product Spotlight: Cyonara 9.7

             Many of the southern states have become over ran by a species of ant commonly referred to as the “Crazy Ant.” While the actual name is the “Tawny Ant,” this particular species gets its name from the erratic movements and overall randomness of the path this ant takes while moving around. Anyone who has this ant can tell you they are relentless and unfortunately, while they can be managed, they probably will not ever disappear. This ant appears just about anywhere, whether inside or outside, the colonies number in the thousands. In particular, they love electrical outlets and junction boxes and have been known to cause quite a bit of damage. If you live in the south and have not had this little guy invade your home, chances are you will probably very soon.

            Adequate control of this ant has proven difficult to achieve. Here at Solutions Stores, we have found only one good solution so far. There really is not a better name for the product. Made by Control Solutions, Cyonara 9.7 is up for almost any task, in particular Crazy (Tawny) ants. This is one of those products where as they say, “a little goes a long ways.” Containing Lambda Cyhalothrin, Cyonara 9.7 packs a huge punch. According to the label, it can be used at a rate of anywhere from .2-.8 oz. per gallon of water. You should always read label instructions to determine where you can apply the product and how much chemical should be mixed before you begin spraying. Lambda Cyhalothrin is a very powerful active ingredient so in addition to your normal protective equipment (gloves, mask, eye protection), it is also recommended to wear pants and a long sleeved shirt as this active ingredient can cause skin irritation.

            Check the label out on this product as it can do a number on a multitude of other pests as well. Cyonara 9.7 is a water based insecticide with an odor similar to cherries, so while it can be used indoors, this may be a product you will only want to use outside. Part of the reason customers have been so pleased with this insecticide is due to its extremely rapid knockdown. In particular, the Crazy ants will die so quickly that the bodies will start massing and if not swept up, will simply allow other live ants to walk right over the dead ants and never come in contact with the chemical.

            So if you are in need of a product to take care of the increasingly popular “Crazy” ant, this would be a great choice for you to check out. As a matter of fact, if you are looking to purchase an all around product to use outside whether on the foundation and sides of your home or as a broadcast on the lawn, Cyonara 9.7 is a product you need. When you go to check out, be sure to add a chemical safety kit to help you stay safe!