I am putting Marathon granules in the soil when repotting. So far it is the one that doesn't damage the plant - but you need to give the soil a couple weeks rest before you do the planting.

I tried Bonide systemic - when I had a soil mealy bug infestation several years ago - it didn't kill them off - but damaged the violets - and sure stank to high heaven.

Nancy Robitaille is successful with a same chemical but in a liquid form (imidacloprid) - and it is cheaper. If you search our chat - you will find her very informative postings on this topic.

Any systemic wears off in several weeks in any case, so it helps but no guarantee.

Irina

Irina,

What is the amount of Malathon granules do you use to what size pot/ratio? If you must mix it before potting the plant (AV), how do you repeat this other than repotting? Thanks for helping out a dummy.

gootziecat

I have some little black knats all of a sudden showing up. I wick my plants. Would the Malathon granules help this problem?

Thanks Gramyjan

Marathon will help - for the price $3 per gnat. I bought a half gallon container for $100 3 years ago. I think Nancy R. has better idea about the quantity and price of this stuff. She uses the liquid form and she found the place to get it in a small quantity.

I am using a half tablespoon per gallon of mix and I do not add anything afterwards. We are supposed to repot AVs every 6 months, and minis - every 4, so works OK with me.

I wouldn't buy this thing just for the gnats. There was a discussion recently - and there is Gnatrol - which is not poisonous for the humans, there is neem oil - and if I rememeber correctly - somebody suggested clorax bleach solution to pour into the pot...

As I mentioned - I had soil mealy bugs infestation - and it was either chuck 600 plants - or write the check for Marathon. So - I am really against going for the big guns and high expenses - if you do not have the big problem.

Irina

Here is a link that might be useful: Thats the Marathon I got