aphid control
Jane McGary (Thu, 13 Feb 2003 10:32:55 PST)

Jim Shields asked,

Disulfoton -- 0,0-Diethyl S[2-(ethylthio) ethyl]

I buy it in 8 oz./227 gr jars. The brand name is "Dexol Tender Leaf" --
there is also a liquid spray that I think is just called "Tender Leaf" and
is recommended for sensitive foliage.

Now that I bother to read the warning in detail, it can be "fatal if
swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin." I assume you would have
to be exposed to a fairly large quantity to be harmed by breathing or
touching it. I do not handle it bare-handed and, as mentioned earlier, stay
out of the plant room after applying it. It is intended for use on
houseplants, but I wouldn't apply it to anything in a room of the house
proper. If I have to put it on one of my few real "house" plants, I take
the plant outside for the day. The "fumes" dissipate in 2-3 hours.

I doubt that it is as dangerous to handle as Marathon, which is commonly
used in commercial operations as Jim mentions.

Jane McGary
NW Oregon