Last week we discussed some safe to use products.  They were listed as OMRI which means  the organic family.  Spinosad is listed as another one of those safe products.  Spinosad is a natural substance made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects.  These include thrips, spider mites, mosquitoes, ants and fruit flies.  

Spinosad affects the nervous system of insects that eat or touch it.  It causes their muscles to flex uncontrollably.  This leads to paralysis  and ultimately their death, typically within 1-2 days.  Spinosad is low in toxicity to people and other mammals.  It is also regulated by the US Food and Administration to control head lice on people and fleas on dogs and cats.  

If you read the label , Spinosad is almost good for anything including powdery mildew.  Lace bugs are also on the list.  Lace bugs are really bad to get on azaleas.  I’ve not used it but I thinks that I will give it a try.  One thing about my job is that I get to investigate chemicals and how to use them.  I also get first shot at learning about new products, and I think Spinosad is going to be tried at my house.  

I have been researching about Monarch Butterflies lately.  If you have any info that I could read, please let me know.  I have been planting a butterfly garden and hope to be successful in attracting these beautiful insects.  Have a great week.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)