we have nats all in our home and we have two kids and two cats. i need a treatment to be safe for them and i watch a two year old girl too. but i need to know how to get rid of them. we have tried sprays but it doesn't seem to help. so if you can give me a idea i would love it.

When we move from the warm months to fall and winter, many pests will commonly start nesting inside the home. Nats are one of these pests. Common places they'll nest will be in the litter box, the drain of any sink – especially sinks that have "sinkerators", recycling bins, garbage pails, garbage disposals, drain pans under washing machines or refrigerators as well as plant pots (the pot holding the soil for any indoor plants). If you have any of the aforementioned, I suggest you start looking at these locations as possible nest sites.

Now what you can be used to treat these areas? In many cases, a simple flying insect killer can do the job. We have two that are easy to use and very effective. The first is a pyrethrin based spray called PT-565. A simply 1-2 second blast around any of the areas listed above will take care of nats instantly. This can be done as often as once an hour and can be applied with people in the home.

The organic equivalent would be the HOUSEPLANT INSECT KILLER. It can safely be used in the home around people and pets and will kill nats instantly too.

Both of these options can be used as frequently as you want but remember that neither will "solve" the problem. So if you find the nats keep coming back daily, you'll need to locate just where it is they're reproducing and nesting. Once you find that location, you can treat the area to stop the reproduction which ultimately will make it so you aren't seeing them at all.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

PT-565:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/aerosol/pt-565-xlo

Houseplant Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/aerosols/houseplant-insect-killer-10-oz

Nat Control:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page1801.html

First, I can't imagine any pest control service that would knowingly destroy the finish where they spray so I think you may have misunderstood what they intended on doing. The products we use in homes for pest control have changed quite a bit and currently there are some which go on "dry". My favorite is PHANTOM. It's odorless, slow acting and works great on spiders. My home has hardwood floors so anything wet is out of the question. I use the Phantom throughout and it works great. At no time can you tell anything has been applied because when used properly, you can't see it. I also use it on my boat. The boat decking is quite shiny and again, if there was ever a chance of something being left behind following the treatment, my boat would be where it could be seen. If you're wanting the best option for this problem that's both low odor and safe for use around people and pets, I'd go with this option.

Second, since you feel these weevils are in the wall, I'd apply some there too. Phantom is slow acting and won't kill anything for a few days following the initial application but this is by design. Alternatively you can go with the MOTHERS EARTH DUST in the wall void which would no doubt take them out too. The key with dusting will be making sure you get good coverage in the space. Use a HAND DUSTER to get it applied and if done right, one dose will last 6-12 months.

Lastly, you could opt to apply some HOUSEPLANT INSECT KILLER. It's organic and does not provide any residual. This means you'll have to spray over and over as new weevils appear. But this would be the "safest" option because it's not persistent or long lasting.

And don't rule out installing some WEEVIL TRAPS. These can prove helpful and are very safe since they're not a spray. Traps won't solve infestations but can help to monitor and reduce the amount active in the living area.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Phantom:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/aerosol/pt-phantom-17-5oz

Mothers Earth Dust:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/dust/mothers-earth-diatomaceous-dust

House Plant Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/aerosols/houseplant-insect-killer-10-oz

Hand Duster:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/dusters/crusader

Weevil Traps:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/traps/pheromone-and-food/3pk-cf-rf-k-rw-st-pp

My plantains (similar to bananas but generally used after they're cooked) have borers called Black Weevils.  These borers make the bodies of the plant weak and decrease the sizes of the bunches by about one third.  Here they sell Feridine (sp?) to kill them and that is a deadly chemical. I don't want to use this on my plantains but instead want one of your organic products.  What I need to know is do you have something that will kill this particular weevil?  I do not even know what it looks like, but when I harvest the fruit and cut the plant down (they only fruit one time) I see the dark brown holes in the bodies of the plants make by these bugs.

Please let me know if one of your products will kill them.  I must stay organic so your product qualifies in that respect.

Thank you, Nancy B.

Go with the MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER. It's organic and we have had great success using it for all kinds of weevil pests here in the states. I'm not sure when your plants are being attacked so I would recommend using it at least every two weeks whether you have signs of the weevils or not. I say this because Multi Purpose won't last more than a few days so it's not nearly as long lasting as traditional products like Feridine.

Multi Purpose Insect Killer: http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz

Actually, any of the products on this site can be used in the yard and most can be used on vegetables. If you read through this site there are two things you'll note. First, everything listed is certified okay for "organic gardening" and will be displaying the logo's that enable you to know for sure they're certified. As our article explains, there are a lot of products that "claim" to be organic but in fact are not approved. Second, many of the products we have listed will be labeled for use in gardens and more specifically, for use right on organically grown fruits and vegetables.

Two of the more common products we sell for people who want to spray their fruit and vegetables would be the MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER and the 3 IN 1 SPRAY. Both are highly effective on a wide range of insects with the Multi Purpose being strong on tough pests like tomato worms, cucumber beetles and stinkbugs. The 3 In 1 is popular where people are fighting mites, some insects and fungus. It's unique formulation targets all three problems quite well and is kind of a "one spray for all" product.

But as you'll see, we also have DUSTS, AEROSOLS, REPELLENTS, HERBICIDES and other specialty items with the focus and commonality being that everything included is actually certified for "organic gardening". And please feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or concerns or simply need a little clarification on what something can or cannot do. Our toll free is 1-800-877-7290 and we're open Mon-Sat.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Multi Purpose Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz

3 In 1 Spray:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/3-in-1-fim-32-oz

Dusts:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/dust

Aerosols:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/aerosols

Repellents:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/repellents

Herbicides:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/herbicides

Just what is Organic: http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/nontoxic-pest-control

I look forward to hearing from you.  I live in Black Mountain, N C

When treating plants in a greenhouse, I prefer some of our organic products over the more traditional pesticides. They don't last long meaning they dissipate rapidly which will effectively reduce the risk of anything getting injured due to over exposure. We have several listed on our NON TOXIC PEST CONTROL site, and the two that work well for spider mites are HOUSEPLANT INSECT KILLER and MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER.

The "most gentle" product would be the House Plant Killer. It's in a ready to spray aerosol and will kill any on contact. But keep in mind it won't provide any long lasting residual so in the end you'll probably end up spraying quite a bit. This could become costly. However, it is quite convenient to use and it's very safe.

The Multi Purpose concentrate will be the stronger of the two. It's a concentrate that you'll mix with water and apply via a PUMP SPRAYER. It won't last long but if you apply it weekly for 2-3 weeks, you should knock out this sometimes stubborn pest.

Here are direct links to the products listed above:

Non Toxic Pest Control Site:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com

Houseplant Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/aerosols/houseplant-insect-killer-10-oz

Multi Purpose Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz

Pump Sprayer:  http://www.gotosprayer.com/sprayers/pump-sprayers/one-gallon-eliminator

The best spray for aphids on fruit or vegetables is the MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER. It's mixed with water and should be applied in the late evening, after 6:00 PM, so the plants won't be under direct sunlight during the treatment. Use as needed; most applications will last a week or more after you get control of the problem.

Thanks, Phil

If you can, please forward the photo's as we love seeing any pests in the field. Pictures are both educational and helpful when considering treatment options.

As for what to do; we have a couple of options you might consider. One of the most commonly used product for this kind of problem is the NBS INSECT REPELLENT. This product can be mixed with paint or stain and applied to homes for long term insect repellent action. It's completely organic and doesn't kill anything; it merely acts as a repellent where applied. It can also be applied by mixing it with water and then spraying it on the home or surrounding landscape. Trees and plants are commonly treated to repel all kinds of pests including wasps so I'm sure it will work for this treatment need. However, you might need to step up the treatment to something like the MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER if they really are living in the tree because I'm afraid the NBS won't be strong enough alone.

As for the Multi Purpose Insect Killer; it too is organic but it's a step up from the NBS. It will kill them where they're nesting and soaking down the trunk and limbs of the tree should do the job.

Remember that neither product is permanent and you will need to treat a few times a year if you wish to keep them away during the warm season.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

NBS Insect Repellent:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/repellents/nbs-repellent-insect-spray

Multi Purpose Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz

Absolutely. There are two organic options we have which work. The first is INSECTICIDAL SOAP. Use it as often as is necessary. This could be daily but in most cases you'll get control after a few treatments. In the end, treat as needed.

The second option is the MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER. It seems to last a lot longer compared to the Soap so in general you won't have treat nearly as often. In most cases you can knock off the problem with 2-3 applications and then watch to make sure they don't return.

Since stinkbugs will commonly invade the home, make sure you aren't providing winter harborage for them. This will not only become a problem inside but tend to cause them to be active on your property next summer too. If your garden is close to the home or if you know they're getting inside, you should do some treating following the guidelines listed in our STINKBUG CONTROL ARTICLE.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Insecticidal Soap:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/insecticidal-soap

Multi Purpose Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz

Stinkbug Control Article:  http://www.bugspray.com/article/stinkbug.html

Thanks
J.W.

The CYPERMETHRIN listed in our CICADA KILLER CONTROL would not be the best option for this application need. Though I don't think the concentrate would be absorbed by the plant enough to pose a hazard, in general this active is not for use on plants that produce fruit or vegetables. Due to the close proximity of the treatment, I suggest opting for something else. Alternatively there are some organic or less toxic products we have which will work fine and still be safe to use around and even on the plants if needed.

The most direct approach would to wait till dark and then dust their open holes with CONCERN DE DUST. Apply it with a HAND DUSTER and you'll get instant control of any wasps in the nest when you dust. In theory you should be able to treat all the nests you have heavily enough to shut them down within minutes of the treatment.

Alternatively you could opt to spray some MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER directly down their nests. If done in the evening when you know they'll be back for the night, the treatment will kill them all on contact as it's poured or sprayed down their nest. In general, if you're thorough enough the first time you treat and carefully get each burrow, you can knock them all out with one application. But if you have 5 or more nests, it will probably take a couple of treatments since they can sometimes hide well or some peripheral nests can be missed.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Cypermethrin:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page519.html

Cicada Killer Control Article:  http://www.bugspray.com/articles99/cicadakillers.html

Concern DE Dust:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/dust/concern-diatomaceous-earth

Hand Duster:  http://www.gotosprayer.com/dusters/hand-dusters/crusader-hand-duster

Multi Purpose Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz

Ideas?

There are many types of beetles and bugs which can wreak havoc in the garden. Some of these are quite persistent. The leaf footed bug is both big and intimidating and there are many species active around the United States. In most cases you'll only see one or two and they won't amass in any significant numbers. But when they do, if they're feeding on any one plant they can have an impact. The good news is you have plenty of options when it comes to controlling local populations.

Based on the fact you stated you're trying to keep an organic garden, I'll limit my suggesting to either the 3 IN 1 SPRAY or the MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER. Both are organic and can be used right up the last day of harvest so they are very safe. But we've found both to be quite active on tough hard shelled insects like the leaf footed bug. Treat every 2-4 weeks once the problem is resolved and you won't see many if any come back. We have seen these two products have a repellency action so they will do a good job of warning bees so they'll stay clear of treated plants too.

Here are direct links to the products mentioned above:

3 In 1 Spray:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/3-in-1-fim-32-oz

Multipurpose Insect Killer:  http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz