The last 2 articles about “green” products for the industry
raised some questions, concerns and comments from readers of the Horticulture
Hotline. If you missed these articles, you can find them at www.possumsupply.com
under the Horticulture Hotline tab.
The concern came from this statement, “IC3 can also be used safely on docks for spiders,
mosquitoes and gnats. Bees, wasps, flies, and biting flies are also on the
label.” This statement was cut and pasted off the product’s information sheet
(with permission), since it does not technically have a label because it is
exempt from EPA. A beekeeper was concerned that Possum’s or myself was
advocating the killing of bees.
We are not advocating the
killing of bees at Possum’s. My sister and cousin are beekeepers. I just had
some of my cousin’s honey over the weekend - tasty. Having worked in the Citrus industry
and other areas of agriculture, I certainly understand the important role bees
play in the food chain. With the declining bee population, try not to spray on
or near blooming plants, and try to limit your spraying when bees are foraging
or in the treatment area.
Most spiders are also considered
beneficial, so if you would like to have them around (which I generally do and
I almost lost my finger to one), no worries. Possum’s or myself is not advocating
the wholesale slaughter of spiders either. I’m just trying to provide
information.
The fact that IC3 can be used on
or around docks is what differentiates this product from many others, and is
why I included this statement in my article. There are a lot of docks in the
Lowcountry. Many products now days have aquatic setbacks, IC3 does not have
these restrictions.
The use of InVade BioDrain in a
house with a septic tank also came up. All of the products in the InVade
product line are safe for septic tanks and sewer systems. The Invade
products help to reduce grease and solids in the tanks and are considered beneficial.
InVade SeptiTreat is a great product to apply every 3 months to your septic
tank. The InVade blend of microbes digest fats, oils, grease, carbohydrates, proteins,
cellulose, and urea (InVade BioZap is great for cat litter box odors, I am
told). There are many formulations
including foams in this product line.
The cool temperatures have given us a longer period of time
to get out our preemergent weed control products in our lawn and bed areas. If
you are getting the spring itch, now is a great time to apply SeaHume, Cotton
Burr Compost and other organics to your landscape.
Always read, understand and follow product label. The
product label is a Federal Law.
