Well.........I have determined that my indoor citrus has scale and mites. Not a big infestation (as I am way too anal and check my plants everyday), but the evidence is there.

I have on hand "Shultz Garden Safe Houseplant and Garden Inspect Spray" which says it is: "Made with botanical pyrethrins for chrysanthemum flowers; General purpose spray is excellent for all indoor and outdoor plants; Effectively kills on contact and Safe to use on edibles up to the day of harvest".

Any problem using this? I know it says you can use it up to day of harvest on existing edibles, but does it "absorb" into plants and then when it fruits would there be any concentration in those? Sorry for such newbie questions. It's my first winter bringing trees in. They are all growing nicely under their 200Watt fluorescents. Thanks so much! Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,
I am not sure exactly what you have. If it does not list a chemical as the active ingredient, it is probably a natural extract of chrysanthemums. The natural chemicals in that extract is the model that was used to design the synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. Both the natural and synthetic pyrethroids are relatively safe insecticides. They are highly toxic to insects, but human and animal toxicity is low-- also they are not persistent and will decay naturally.

If there is a chemical listed, give me the name and I can get the toxicity data.

Skeet

Yes they are safe. there should be a re-entry or number of days allowed after spraying before you can eat the fruits. The schultz brand of Safe insecticidal spray, they have the same effectivity as a mixture of soap, ultrathin oil and canola oil. So I don't buy the expensive one. Since you have it, might as well use it. They are safe also if you have pets.

Thanks to you both for responding with quick and thorough answers. Very much appreciated. Stephanie

You don't need to use insecticide for scale. Use dormant oil and put some dawn dishwashing liquid along with it.