Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is not specifically labeled for treatment of carpenter ants. For treating carpenter ants around/in trees, you can use a bait such as the Advance Carpenter Ant Bait around the base of the tree as well as where the roots/branches meet in small piles. Another option is a spray product called Dominion 2L which will work similar to a bait, but they just have to walk across the treated area and they pick it up and transfer to others in the colony. It can be sprayed up to breast height on the tree or by injecting into the part of the tree that is infested following the instructions on the product label.
Carpenter Ant Baiting Tips
Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is formulated for use on trees and shrubs as a root drench only. If you would like a product with the same active ingredient for chinch bug control, then you can use Dominion 2L at a rate of 0.6 oz per 1000 sq ft for suppression of chinch bugs. For better control, you can use a granule insecticide such as DeltaGard G Granules or Arena Granules.
We also have more tips in our online Chinch Bug Treatment Guide here.
Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is not labeled for use on containerized or potted plants, so we cannot provide a rate for your application. We suggest using Hi-Yield Systemic Insect Granules instead, which is labeled for use on containerized plants. In a 1 gallon pot, you would use 2.5 Tablespoons worked into the top 1-2 inches of soil, and repeat treatments at 8 week intervals during the growing season.
Fertilome Tree & Shrub Insect Drench is labeled to control adult Japanese Beetles and may be used on trees, however, the product label states, "Do not apply this product by any application method, to linden, basswood or other Tilia species in the State of Oregon."
Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is not labeled for ants directly. If you have a lot of ants on your trees or other ornamental plants, then they may be feeding on honeydew that is being produced by sucking insects such as aphids or scale. The systemic insecticide will treat for those sucking pests, so a treatment can indirectly help to eliminate the ants in that situation. Please see our Ant Treatment Guide for more tips on treating for this pest.
Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is best applied as one soil drench per year during early spring to early fall but can be applied anytime of year as long as the ground is not frozen.
For best results, magnolia trees should be fertilized three times during the growing season in spring, early summer and mid to late summer. A balanced granular fertilizer, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, works best because it will supply all the macronutrients the tree needs. Please refer to your fertilizer product label for application timing for best results.
You can use systemic products like the Ferti-Lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench any time the plants are in an actively growing state and soil temps are at least 55 degrees. The tree should be able to take the product up through the roots to treat the tree essentially from the inside out over time. The bigger the tree the longer it will take for the application to move all the way up through the plant to the furthest tips of the leaves and branches.
Fertilome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is not labeled for mites at all. There are no systemic products that are currently on the market for spider mites. It can be used as directed for listed insects to trees and shrubs.
Ferti-Lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is not labeled to be directly applied full strength to the soil as this product must be mixed with water before pouring around the base of the tree/shrub. Per the product label, apply one (1) gallon of solution in a circular band from the base of the tree outward for two (2) feet. Please refer to page 9 of the product label for the Mix Rate Chart under the How to Apply Section for more information.
TheFertilome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is designed to be used at a rate of 3 oz per foot of height on any shrubs or hedges. You will want to use in enough water for the active ingredient to reach the entire root zone. The amount of fl oz and volumes of water can vary depending on the height of each shrub/hedge.
A more economical approach would be Dominion 2L which uses the same active ingredient only with a higher percentage which would mean a lower rate per individual plant. The mix rate for Dominon 2L would be 0.2-0.4 oz per foot of shrub height in a sufficient amount of water to thoroughly cover the entire root zone.
Yes, Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is labeled for use on ornamental trees and shrubs.
Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench will not affect carpenter ants nor ants at all. We would recommend reviewing our How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants guide here.
An insecticide would not be an effective treatment for a fungus on a tree. Eagle 20EW Specialty Fungicide would be the recommended product for treating powdery mildew on crepe myrtle trees at the rate of 0.06 - 0.12 fl. oz. per gallon of water per 1,000 sq. ft., sprayed directly onto the tree. You can refer to the product label for complete application instructions.
If you are seeing black sooty mold on the tree, then then the Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench could be applied to help treat the scale insects which cause the secondary issue of black sooty mold.
Per the label, You will mix 1 oz of Fertilome Tree & Shrub Insect Drench per inch of distance around the tree trunk. Because the product is an insecticide, it likely will not hurt a non flowering tree. We suggest adding lots of water to try to balance the product to water ratio. Please consult the product label for complete application instructions.
No, Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is not safe for bees and any other beneficial insects.Please review the Protection of Pollinators Section on page 5 of the product label for precautions and more information. It is recommended to refrain from using this product when bees or beneficial insects are active.
Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench treatment is typically done before pests are active in the area as it takes time to be translocated throughout. You may contact your local cooperative extension office to confirm the correct timing of the application as this will vary greatly from region to region and target pest.
Application timing for Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench can vary depending on the target pest and region. Please contact your local cooperative extension office to determine the correct timing of the application as this will vary greatly from region to region. Utlimately, you could apply this anytime as long as the ground is not frozen or water-logged.
Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench can be applied as a prevention for Woolly Adelgids before they are active, it takes time to be translocated through the tree, up to 8 weeks depending on the size so timing is key. Please contact your local cooperative extension office to determine the correct timing of the application as this will vary greatly from region to region.
Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is only labeled to be used on trees and shrubs. You could try using a product like Talstar P, but because orchids are sensitive, we would recommend contacting your local extension or a nursery experienced with orchid care.
