Merit

The active ingredient is imidacloprid and it IS effective against rhododendron or azalea scale. Ask for it by the chemical name or you could look for it under a couple of other tradenames: Marathon, Admire, Premier, or Premise. It is general use pesticide so larger garden centers should carry it or you might be able to order it online. Be sure you read the label carefully and apply according to directions. You can also try swabbing the insects directly now with isopropyl alcohol.

pam - gardengal

Thanks Pam

Horticultural oil will be way cheaper, safer, and more effective.

Toad

Any suggestions on preventing/removing thistle?

:) I've been informed by a landscaper to apply Merit granules in the spring :) to combat scale that is attacking my shrubs (Rhododendron and Andromeda, top :) branches are turning black). :) Doing a Google search shows Merit Systemic Insecticide Granules used to :) control grubs in lawns. :) My questions: Is Merit the right thing to apply? Where can I buy it if it :) is appropriate? I went to Home Depot and they do not have it. Local nursery :) does not carry it either.

Imidacloprid granules are listed on the the labels to use for scale, but I would think a liquid application would show quicker results. I forget what the Home Depot type stores "home name" for their product that contains Imidacloprid are, but you may look at the true nurseries for products of Merit II or Merit Wp or Marathon WP, which are apllied as a liquid (if they aren't resticted use products). You might also look at Pest control "supply houses" that may also sell to the public.

Lar. (to e-mail, get rid of the BUGS!!

While looking in the mirror a bit ago, I noticed that I look more like myself now than I did a while back.

Have you tried smoking it?

It gives me a wicked cough. I usually just yank it whenever I see it but those roots are pervasive.

Bayer advanced lawn and garden is the product that is commonly available. You can also find it in dry formulation(meant for lawns) under various names. Merit is a restricted use formulation of imidacloprid, it is not available to homeowners. I still say hort oil would be a better choice for scale.

I agree with cheaper and safer but not sure about effective. I sprayed with hort oil in Spring of 2003 & 2004 but now the top 4 feet of the shrube are in bad shape. Leaves are an odd color and the branches are turning black. I need to try something else to try and save them. Merit was suggested so I thought I'd ask in here before I tried it. Thanks for all the replies.

Merit has been released in a formulation suitable for use by homeowners and is now a GUP. Horticultural oil is only effective against scale if one is able to time the life cycle correctly and the scale is not hard shelled. As a systemic, Merit (or the Bayer Advanced Lawn and Garden, Marathon, etc.) is likely to be much more effective. As with all pesticides, read the label carefully and follow the directions explicitly.

pam - gardengal