Per the product label for Merit 75 WP - 2 oz.: Applications should not be made when turfgrass areas are waterlogged or the soil is saturated with water. Adequate distribution of the active ingredient cannot be achieved when these conditions exist. For optimum control, irrigate thoroughly to incorporate MERIT 75 WP Insecticide into the upper soil profile after application. The pH of the water is not important.
The Merit 75 WP label does give instructions for applying over 1000 sqft area when treating flowers and ground covers. Apply as a broadcast treatment and incorporate into the soil before planting or apply after plants are established. If application is made to established plants, optimum control will be attained if area is irrigated thoroughly after application.
The Merit 75 WP would be stronger than the Bayer Systemic Rose Care but has the same active ingredient, Imidacloprid.
The label does not specify that it safe for orchids though, so we would recommend confirming with Bayer that it would be safe to apply to them. Bayer can be reached at 1-800-331-2867.
Merit 75 WP - 2 oz. would be good for borers but you will be required to water in the application with about 1/2 inch of water. It is also important to keep the soil moist for at least two weeks following the application to help with root uptake.
When applying an insecticide such as Merit WP, it is important to remember that the water you are using is a carrier, so it is most important that we evenly distribute the correct amount of product for the area in a sufficient amount of water, rather than trying to determine how much product we need per gallon of water. If using Merit WP, you would apply 6.4 to 8.6 ounces per Acre. We suggest using at least 2 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet so that the product is carried into the soil through the thatch layer of the grass. If you have equipment that can mix at least 25 gallons of solution at a time, then we would suggest using the Merit WSP or a generic of it, Adonis WSP. Each envelope comes with 4 water soluble packets, and each packet covers 8,250-11,000 square feet.
Merit 75 WP is labeled to control larvae of European Chafer. You will need to use 6.4 to 8.6 oz per acre or 3 to 4 level teaspoons per 1000 sq. ft. of Merit 75 WP. With 3500 sq. ft, you should use between 10.5 and 14 teaspoons. Make sure you use at least 2 gallons of water per 1000 sq. ft.
The effects when Merit 75 WP - 2 oz. jar is applied off-label will be determined by many different variables. Please contact Bayer at 800-331-2867 for further assistance in this treatment.