Avid is a broad-spectrum insecticide, meaning it is used to eradicate all types of pests in plants. There is a bit of a complicated relationship between crops and the living creatures in the soil. Some insects and pests destroy the plants while there are those that the plants cannot do without.
5 Best-Selling Avid Insecticide
The same way we have a food chain, say in the jungle, the same way the plant ecosystem survives. So to understand what a broad-spectrum insecticide like Avid does to the plant ecosystem; imagine killing all the predators in the forest.
Despite this, Avid insecticide is still used by most gardeners. You just need to understand how to use, when to use, and where to apply. This will enable you to use the product, prevent your plants from being destroyed by the insects, and still have good soil for optimal harvest.
Chemical Composition
The main constituent of Avid 0.15EC Miticide/Insecticide is 18 g/LABAMECTIN, the group 6 insecticides, that is used to eliminate mites on fruit plants such as citrus, apples, pears, and strawberries, as well as vegetables such as capsicum and tomatoes. It is also commonly used by cotton farmers to eliminate the budworm.
Avid insecticide is the best for controlling mites and leaf miners. It is used to suppress thrips, whiteflies, and aphids. Landscapers and gardeners find this chemical very useful because it protects the plants from leaf miners.
For the best results, Avid is applied to the young plants, and also while the mites are still in egg or larva form. As a gardener, therefore, you need to be keen on timing. Once the mites become fully grown, you will have to mix with Floramite, to get the best results.
Where to Apply?
Avid insecticide is mostly used in outdoor gardens and greenhouses. It works best on foliage plants and ornamental plants such as Christmas trees. By nature of their use, ornamental plants do not need to have any blemishes. This explains why avid finds more applications here. It is also used in edible plants such as fruit trees but very minimal quantities.
How to Apply
Avid 0.15EC Miticide/Insecticide comes in a concentrated liquid form, packaged in either 1 liter or 5-liter bottles. It is applied using a handheld spray bottle, or a backpack sprayer, depending on the size of the area to be covered. Note that you have to dilute first before use, by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
The mixing stage is the most important because it determines whether the insecticide will work. If you dilute more than is required, it will be less effective or not effective at all. Again if it is more concentrated than it should be, it might destroy the plants or scorch the leaves to the ornamental plants.
It is also important to note that different plants require different concentrations. Apple plants, for instance, need 37.5ml of Avid mixed with 500ml of all-purpose spraying oil and 100 liters of water. Ornamental plants on the hand will need a minimum of 25 ml of Avid and a maximum of 50 ml, mixed with 100 liters of water.
Just like any other chemical, you need to wear protective gear when applying Avid insecticide. This includes a chemical resistant coverall with hood, gumboots, chemical resistant gloves, and a full-face gas mask with eye and respiratory protection. If not handled with care, Avid insecticide can cause respiratory complications and skin irritation.
How Long Does Avid Stay In Plants?
First and foremost, it is important to note that Avid is not applied in edible plants all by itself. It has to be mixed with all-purpose spraying oil to prevent it from being absorbed into the plant. It works by penetrating the plants surface, specifically the leaves.
Once it has penetrated, the chemicals remain active in the plant tissues for up to 60 days. This explains why Avid insecticide is not the best for edible plants. Most especially the likes of tomatoes and capsicum might need to be harvested before the 60 days are over.
Again, there is no substantial study that has been conducted to confirm whether the chemical residue dissolves completely after the 60 days.
How Does the Avid Insecticide Work?
Once the insecticide has been sprayed on the plants, it gets absorbed into the foliar parts of the plant. Most mites feed on the leaves because they are the most succulent part of the plant.
When they feed on the Avid residue or get into contact with the leaves, the chemical gets to the insect’s nerve receptors, which results in paralysis. The paralyzed pests will not be able to feed and that means they die after a day or two.
Considering the insecticide remains in the tissue for up to 60 days, all insects and mites that land on the leaves during this period will not survive. This means that you will not need to spray the plants frequently. This makes it economical as well.
Benefits of Using Avid Insecticide
- It is rain-fast within a few hours of spraying
- It is odorless
- It does not leave residue on the plants surface
- It is easy to apply since you just need to use standard equipment
Side Effects of Avid Insecticide
Just like any other chemical, Avid insecticide must be handled with care and kept out of reach of children. This insecticide can cause adverse effects when ingested, inhaled, or when it comes into contact with the skin. It is also flammable, and as such should be stored away from sources of fire.
Some specific side effects may include:
- Allergic reaction when it comes into contact with the skin.
- May cause harm to the unborn child if ingested or inhaled by an expectant woman in large quantities
- Prolonged exposure may result in respiratory complications
- Prolonged and repeated exposure may result in damaged internal organs
- It may cause a fire if it is exposed to open flames or sparks resulting from faulty electrical connections
When faced with any of these side effects (apart from fire), you may need to see a doctor as an emergency and carry the product packaging with you.
When there is a fire outbreak as a result of Avid fumes, the best extinguisher to use is either form, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical based extinguishers. It is also important to note that the fire can release toxic gases due to thermal decomposition. This means that masks should be available as part of the fire response equipment.
Precautions of Using Insecticides
- Keep insecticide on the original container and do not remove its label to avoid any mixing accidents.
- Keep insecticides in a locked storage cabinet especially if you have children in the house.
- Measure the sum to be mixed carefully.
- Handle the spray carefully when mixing to avoid sprinkling the fluid and surging the dust and powder anywhere.
- Wear protection gears while spraying insecticides such as protective glass, mask, and bodysuit.
- Wash your body when you accidentally spray off the insecticide with a cleanser and water.
- Keep out of distance from breathing the shower fog or vapor as it can cause health issues when inhaled.
- Clean up immediately any spills and avoid children from entering the contaminated area.
- Apply insecticide on the plants listed on the pack.
Conclusion
Avid is a strong insecticide that is useful to gardeners. Ornamental plants are useful for their visual appeal. Some insecticides are as effective as they may end up burning or staining the foliar parts of the plant. This adversely affects the value of ornamental plants.
Avid insecticide, therefore, remains the best option for gardeners since it does not have a burning effect on leaves. For edible plants, on the other hand, Avid is still effective but it must be used alongside an all-purpose oil, to minimize the absorption into the plant. This also means it will not be effective in the long term.
Finally, you need to rotate insecticides because frequent use results in resistance. This means that when you use Avid this season, the next time you can use Flora mite or any other effective insecticide.
