Re: CPD 713

DAVIDDOG@aol.com
Wed, 15 May 1996 09:11:44 -0400

In a message dated 96-05-14 22:53:37 EDT, John Phillips writes:

>>I was wondering if anyone has tried placing sundews or pings in a sealed
>aquarium along with a solid form insecticide such as a Shell No Pest Strip.
>I know these are deadly for pet birds or tropical fish, and one shouldn't
>use these pest strips in the same room as one's pets, perhaps this would
>kill off aphids or thrips or other little nasties?

I use little pieces of "No-Pest Strip" to keep aphids and mealybugs at bay
and always have used them in my growing areas indoors under lights. In a
closed area about 3'x4'x5' I have two sections about 2"x21/2" taped to the
ceiling. The strips mean I never have to spray or dunk my plants. Strangely,
the strips don't keep flying insects or big ants away. They are pretty nasty
smelling and poisonous, and the obvoius precautions of wearing gloves and not
sticking them in your nose should be observed.
They are no longer made by Shell Chemical and are a little hard to find in
the West. The active ingredient used to be called "Vapona" which is
marginally catchier than 2,2-Dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate 18.6% and
related ingredients 1.4%.
I'm not sure they're really safe but I bet they're safer than the morning
commute on Hwy. 101.
Cheers,
David Gray,
bug-slayer.