Malathion

[Tdog]

I've tried to look this up but there is soooo much information on the net [a lot of it with its own agenda] that I'm having trouble determining the answer. I have heard that malathion breaks down pretty quickly. Well, you mix it with water in the sprayer - - does it begin to degrade as soon as it is mixed with water? If so, how the heck can it ever be pracitcal for a homeowner - - - if you mix a gallon of spray at a time it will take me weeks+ to go through all that. My question is, is it still effective after a couple of weeks??

Thanks,

Jack

 

[charlz]

Used to be able to by it in granule form, just sprinkle it when and where you need it. Might look for that.

 

[schmism]

why does it take weeks to go through one gal of spray?

how do you apply it? with a paint brush?

I might mix 3 gal in my back pack sprayer and cover the edge of the woods in about 15 min with it....

typical coverage rate is 1500-3000sqft per gal. which is like nothing... 3' wide strip along the edge of the woods for 1000'..... which is why i can easly go through 3 gal in about 15 min....

 

[daveshoot]

It has a short half life in water, 6-11 days depending, which is good because of its potential for unintended harm. Best thing would be to mix it in smaller proportions so you don't have more than you need for a single application. If you made way too much and it's already mixed, I guess you see if a neighbor wants to use the rest before it is neutralized.

 

[Tdog]

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why does it take weeks to go through one gal of spray?

guess I'm just stupid. I use in on my vegetable garden - - & gosh, after it is sprayed, I stop.

Thanx for the answers - - guess I'll start mixing less at a time.

Jack

 

[schmism]

guess I'm just stupid.
Jack

check the label for application rate. If your significantly under the recommended application rate (generally a few tablespoons per gal per 1000sqft) the effectiveness is really negligible.

So ya figure up how many sq feet your spraying and only mix that amount.

Also keep in mind, that for garden crops that are food, there is generally a 3-7 day waiting period after spaying before harvest. (again check the label for specifics of what veggies and what time frame)

 

[Redbug]

I'm glad to have seen this thread. I did not know malathion had such a short life after mixing with water. I sometimes mix it and let it sit in the sprayer for weeks! What about diazanon...How long will it last when mixed?