Talstar PL Granular Insecticide - Questions & Answers

Talstar PL granules will not help with a wooly adelgid infestation. We recommend using a product that works systemically and contains the active ingredient imidalcoprid such as Dominion 2L. When using Dominion 2L as a soil drench for Hemlock Woolly Adelgids you should use 0.2 fl. oz. (3 to 6 mL) of Dominion 2L per inch of trunk diameter (D.B.H.) diluted in 1 pint - 1 gallon of water per inch of trunk diameter.    The amount of water that is used will vary depending on soil conditions and volumes that are easy for applicators to use. The minimum amount of water that should be used is 1 pint per inch of trunk diameter but you may use 1 quart -1 gallon of water per inch of trunk diameter. Denser soils such as clay do not accept water as readily, so the lower volume of water is suggested.  Since sandy soils can accept more water, using the higher volume of water is preferred. After the soil drench has been applied you should water it in with at east 1/2 inch of water. Note: Water simply acts as a carrier and it is important that even distribution of the product is achieved. Thus, more water may be used if the applicator feels runoff will not occur and proper penetration of the root zone is achieved. Insecticides applied to the soil are taken up by the roots and trans-located throughout the tree or shrub. Root/soil drenches offer the advantage of requiring no special equipment to apply (other than a bucket or watering can). However, surface layers of organic matter, such as mulch or leaf litter, can bind the insecticide and reduce uptake. Before applying drenches, it is important to remove or pull back any mulch or dead leaves so the insecticide solution is poured directly on the mineral soil. It is also important to keep the soil around the tree or shrub moist for the next 7-10 days after applications to encourage uptake.

Most insecticides will not interrupt the growth of grass so anything that is labeled for flea control should be just fine to use. Most insecticides do have a disclaimer not to use on grass grown for seed (not to be mistaken as grass grown from seed). Talstar PL would be a great choice.

Talstar PL is safe for use on yards where dogs will walk as long as you follow the product label. Be sure the dogs are out of the area during the application and until the treated area is dry.

Yes, Talstar Pl will treat Chinch bugs. You would apply at a rate of 2.3 - 4.6 lbs.
per 1000 sq. ft.

Yes, Talstar granules can be used in high temps. You should wait to apply the product until evening as it will need to be watered in. If you water the granules during the heat of the day you risk the sun scorhing your lawn.

Talstar Granules are not labeled for roach control. This is because the granules will settle at the base of the grass and then after they are watered in, will be even deeper in the soil which will minimize the chance that the roaches will contact the treated areas. You may want to consider using the liquid concentrate Talstar P so you will have better coverage to kill the roaches. The liquid will be on top of the grass and at the base to help control the roaches. The liquid can be used on and in your home as well.

Talstar PL Granules is not labeled to treat for mites. We first want to make sure the mites have been positively identified as rat and bird mites. You can contact your Local Extension Office and speak with the Entemologist on staff. If so, then we would recommend Onslaught Insecticide. Onslaught produces no odor, is easy to use, and can be used both indoors and outdoors, including in food handling areas (please read directions carefully when using in sensitive environments). Onslaught Liquid Insecticide is micro-encapsulated, meaning that after the product is sprayed, the active ingredient is released slowly over time, producing long-lasting residual control of insect pests.

Talstar PL granules are not labeled for grubs. We carry three granule products that are labeled for grubs, Dylox 6.2, Merit Granules and Demand G. Dylox 6.2 is known to be one of the fastest acting granule products for grub control. You may find our article on grub control helpful.

Grub Control

Talstar PL uses the sandcore granular form. Please let us know if you have anymore questions.

Talstar PL Granules are labeled to eradicate sowbugs and pillbugs. You will apply 2.3-4.6 lbs per 1,000 sq ft using a spreader. Please check your spreader for the specific settings.

To treat for Millipedes, we recommend applying Talstar PL granules in the yard. To treat your home, we recommend applying Suspend SC. Apply 2-3 feet up and out around the outside perimeter and cracks and crevices indoors.

The Talstar PL Granules Label only states to use product with suitable application equipment such as spreader. You may contact the manufacturer FMC direclty for alternative choices at 800-321-1362.

To concentrate on the area under the decking, using Talstar P which is the liquid form of Talstar PL Granules. This would provide a better and more thorough application under the deck. This depends on the size of the gap between the decking boards as well. Using a hand pump sprayer, mix 1oz of Talstar per gallon of water per 1,000 sq ft area. For mosquito control, you want to spray the perimeter of the home 3ft up and 3ft out from the side of the structure focusing on any damp areas and the underside of bushes, leaves and trees around the home (where mosquitos breed and harbor) We recommend keeping the applications of Talstar PL Granules to broadcasting over the lawn. If there is standing water in gutters, troughs, bird baths around the house, using the BTI Mosquito Dunks are a great option as well.

Talstar PL Granules are not labeled to control chiggers. Talstar P and Onslaught<span new="" roman;="" font-size:medium"=""> are top-notch professional products and both are labeled for chiggers. Onslaught is micro-encapsulated and will last a little longer on outdoor surfaces which does give it a bit of advantage over Talstar P. Treatments for chiggers should begin in May and could need to continue through the summer as new chiggers move into the area. Treating the entire lawn is of little benefit because chiggers avoid direct sunlight and normally will not infest areas that are mowed or otherwise well maintained. Focus treatment on the unkempt areas of the lawn and lawn edge. You can also use Onslaught to do a barrier treatment around the outside of your home and in your crawl space to stop pests from moving indoors.

Talstar PL Granules should be applied prior to rainfall or irrigation.

Talstar PL granules should be used early to mid season to control the larvae of crane flies. This application should be made between August-February during times when the ground is not frozen. If treatments are made in March-April, they may only provide supression.

The Talstar PL Granules are not labeled specifically for the control over termites so outside of using the Talstar at its normal application rates per 1000 sq/ft and watering it in, we cannot advise on that specific use. Talstar P in the liquid form however is labeled for controlling Termites and you can use it at the 0.06% solution on the label to drench the soil with. 

Crayfish are a vital food for both fish and animals. Unfortunately, the Talstar PL Granules is not labeled for Crayfish.  We suggest you use a repellent, and/or crayfish traps. The Tomahawk double door crayfish live trap - Model 405 is  designed specifically for trapping crayfish.

If you apply Talstar PL Granules over mulch it can work for pests that crawl over those areas. For a more effective treatment though, we would recommend moving the mulch and applying the granules in that area, that way pests that like moisture and usually hide under mulch like centipedes, millipedes, silverfish, etc. can come in contact with the residual.