So I hired an exterminator for spider mites...

[pfunk211]

i used floramite once, sort of as a nuclear attack, and followed that up alternating neem and avid. after just a few treatments, never again.
it's very, very important to note that you absolutely must alternate your treatment, though, no matter what you use, if you want it to be/remain effective. those little fuckers adapt all too well.
i beat the piss out of mites, with plenty of products left over for any future outbreak, with the aide of ebay and about $40.

[ganjagr1]

As promised, here's the low-down for the Friday "check-up." The guy took 14 leaf samples, put them under the microscope, and we found a bunch of dead mites but 1 that seemed to be struggling around (he looked kind of fucked up, like he had been half dissolved -- creepy!). So he fogged again. I had ordered a 3-part treatment (or 3-visit) plan for $80. So he comes over and fogs up to 3 times and does a microscope check each time to see how bad the problem is.

I know a bunch of you commented about Avid and Floramite. That stuff is super toxic. Sure it kills mites, but what is it doing to my lungs? To my mom's lungs? What if those chemicals stay on the flower and she ingests them and they interact with the meds she's already on?

I didn't want to go that route. So I hired this guy because he has stuff that just carries an electric charge in an oil base - no toxic chemicals. And really $80 is such a small price to pay to have someone else supply the pesticide, cover the lights, and fog for me. It would take me all day to spray -- this guy comes in with his equipment and is gone in an hour. The next check-up is Tuesday.

It kind of creeps me out to buy mmj from dispensaries or people on Craigslist because I suspect they're probably using Avid, Floramite, or some other super-toxic pesticide when other safer methods could work just as well. There's no way to know what they treat their plants with - it's not like your meds come with a nutritional information tag. That's why I grow my own -- so I know what goes into it. It's definitely an expensive, time-consuming "hobby," but it's worth it to me. Some people grow their own vegetables to avoid pesticides; I grow medicine.

[cologrower420]

As promised, here's the low-down for the Friday "check-up." The guy took 14 leaf samples, put them under the microscope, and we found a bunch of dead mites but 1 that seemed to be struggling around (he looked kind of fucked up, like he had been half dissolved -- creepy!). So he fogged again. I had ordered a 3-part treatment (or 3-visit) plan for $80. So he comes over and fogs up to 3 times and does a microscope check each time to see how bad the problem is.

I know a bunch of you commented about Avid and Floramite. That stuff is super toxic. Sure it kills mites, but what is it doing to my lungs? To my mom's lungs? What if those chemicals stay on the flower and she ingests them and they interact with the meds she's already on?

I didn't want to go that route. So I hired this guy because he has stuff that just carries an electric charge in an oil base - no toxic chemicals. And really $80 is such a small price to pay to have someone else supply the pesticide, cover the lights, and fog for me. It would take me all day to spray -- this guy comes in with his equipment and is gone in an hour. The next check-up is Tuesday.

It kind of creeps me out to buy mmj from dispensaries or people on Craigslist because I suspect they're probably using Avid, Floramite, or some other super-toxic pesticide when other safer methods could work just as well. There's no way to know what they treat their plants with - it's not like your meds come with a nutritional information tag. That's why I grow my own -- so I know what goes into it. It's definitely an expensive, time-consuming "hobby," but it's worth it to me. Some people grow their own vegetables to avoid pesticides; I grow medicine.

Respectfully, you shouldn't be so defensive about your methods. Everyone does things differently, so don't be offended if people suggest things you would never use. It's difficult to convey each individual's unique circumstances. Understand that people will give their advice based on their personal experience, not necessarily 'your' specific conditions.

Keep updating.

[lampost]

Seems like a waste and it potentially won't work. I've heard mixed feedback on foggers...
I was able to kill them being diligent with neem oil, pyrethrum, and soapy water. Knowing the life-cycle, switching up chemicals, being persistent, and incorporating environmental controls is all it takes for a small grow.

[cologrower420]

Seems like a waste and it potentially won't work. I've heard mixed feedback on foggers...
I was able to kill them being diligent with neem oil, pyrethrum, and soapy water. Knowing the life-cycle, switching up chemicals, being persistent, and incorporating environmental controls is all it takes for a small grow.

$80 seems like it's worth it (to me), especially with the concerns over health and using organic or clean methods. To each his own.
edit:
If I saw a single mite on my single plant during my first grow, I would absolutely spend $80 for an exterminator. I'm over the top like that. Of course I'd start treating with chemicals as well. That's just how I roll.

[lampost]

I guess I would rather rely on myself than gamble on letting some random dude in my grow AND relying on his expertise.
Neem oil, pyrethrum, and soapy water are probably less harmful than whatever that dude is using. Besides.... did he even share the name of the chemical with the client or perhaps the MSDS for the chemicals he's using?

[ganjagr1]

Respectfully, you shouldn't be so defensive about your methods. Everyone does things differently, so don't be offended if people suggest things you would never use. It's difficult to convey each individual's unique circumstances. Understand that people will give their advice based on their personal experience, not necessarily 'your' specific conditions.

Keep updating.

Good point. I didn't mean that to sound defensive -- just firm about not wanting to use Avid or similar products.

[ganjagr1]

I guess I would rather rely on myself than gamble on letting some random dude in my grow AND relying on his expertise.
Neem oil, pyrethrum, and soapy water are probably less harmful than whatever that dude is using. Besides.... did he even share the name of the chemical with the client or perhaps the MSDS for the chemicals he's using?

Yup. I have both. The "chemical" is a custom blend, and it's called GroFree Blend #3. I think he works with some chemists in California to develop it. Since I can't link to the website, I would say give him a call and I'm sure he'd mail or drop off your own copy of the MSDS. (720) 837-1814 and his name is Jim.

He's a really low-key, friendly guy. I had no qualms letting into my grow, but I had already met him at the Cannabis Convention. So it's not like he's a "random dude," LOL! He's just a business owner with a website, a business card, and service I needed.

[cologrower420]

I guess I would rather rely on myself than gamble on letting some random dude in my grow AND relying on his expertise.
Neem oil, pyrethrum, and soapy water are probably less harmful than whatever that dude is using. Besides.... did he even share the name of the chemical with the client or perhaps the MSDS for the chemicals he's using?

That is a valid concern for you.

However, I'm a legal patient with a legal grow, completely compliant. I have no problem with other people knowing about my grow. I am actually more than willing to talk to anyone I encounter about gardening. I'm new and trying to gain info everywhere I can. Until I have pest problems and deal with personal experience, I can't rely on myself. I hope that makes sense, that these types of services most definitely have a place in this industry.

[lampost]

That is a valid concern for you.

However, I'm a legal patient with a legal grow, completely compliant. I have no problem with other people knowing about my grow. I am actually more than willing to talk to anyone I encounter about gardening. I'm new and trying to gain info everywhere I can. Until I have pest problems and deal with personal experience, I can't rely on myself. I hope that makes sense, that these types of services most definitely have a place in this industry.

yeah, that's cool. everyone has their own way... sounds like that guy knows a lot more than i too.
however, i'd be careful letting people know about your grow regardless of your status. it's still a federal crime and people still have big mouths. extreme example but look what happened to old bartkowicz...