If you have found yourself battling a pest infestation you may be looking for an insecticide to help you take care of the problem. Sevin Dust could be a good product for you to use, but it is not without its risks.
This powerful neurotoxin can kill bugs on contact, but it can also have damaging effects on you and on your garden ecosystem. In this article, I will outline the pros and cons of this powerful insecticide and tell you exactly how Sevin Dust works.
Contents
How Does Sevin Dust Work?
Sevin Dust is a powder insecticide that is designed to kill insects on contact. There are over 65 insects that Sevin Dust is effective at killing including ants, fleas, spiders, beetles, caterpillars, and more.
Sevin Dust is a neurotoxin which means it kills by attacking the nervous system. While it does kill on contact it may take several applications to fully control any pest problems you are having.
Application
Sevin Dust is approved for use in any plants under chest height. For anything over chest height, it’s recommended you use the company’s liquid insecticide. This is to prevent you from getting the dust in your eyes, mouth, or lungs as it can be extremely toxic.
To apply Sevin Dust you will sprinkle it on the affected area of the plant. It is recommended you apply it on a dry day with little to no wind and no forecasted rain.
Water will deactivate and wash away the dust, and wind can blow it away to undesired and potentially harmful places, like your face or your pet’s face.
It is recommended you apply Sevin Dust the day after you water your garden to give the water time to dry and apply the dust in the morning or evening when it is less likely to be windy.
After application, it’s recommended you wait at least 24-48 hours before watering your garden again. Pay attention to your plants to make sure you don’t wait too long, but for best results, the dust needs to remain dry for at least that much time.
How Long Does it Last?
Sevin Dust can reportedly last up to 3 months, but since it is deactivated by water it’s likely to last much less time in real-life scenarios. It’s not recommended you apply Sevin Dust more than once per week, but regular applications can be necessary to take care of infestations.
Things to Keep in Mind
While Sevin Dust can be an effective insecticide there are a few things you should keep in mind before using it.
1. Beneficial Bugs
There is no way for Sevin Dust to discriminate between pest bugs and beneficial bugs. This means when you apply Sevin Dust you could be killing ladybugs, butterflies, bees, worms, lacewings, dragonflies, and spiders.
While many people don’t like spiders or have a fear of them (myself included) they are actually amazing at keeping pests out of your garden. Lacewings and dragonflies feed on mosquitos, and ladybugs eat aphids.
Worms help to keep your soil healthy and butterflies and bees pollinate not only your garden but probably lots of gardens in your area. Killing these friendly bugs is definitely something you don’t want to do, so trying natural solutions before Sevin Dust is recommended.
2. Organic Produce
If you are growing a vegetable garden and want to have your own organic produce products like Sevin Dust should not be used. Commercial pesticides are not considered organic and are not great for the overall health of your garden ecosystem.
3. The Health of You and Your Pets
Sevin Dust can be very dangerous for you, your children, and your pets. Be sure to keep everyone away from the product before and after the application. Pets who ingest or inhale Sevin Dust will need to see a veterinarian immediately to attempt to prevent any major side effects.
If you notice you are experiencing more headaches, nausea, or vomiting after applying Sevin Dust it is important you seek medical attention immediately.
Sevin Dust can linger in the system and cause a plethora of issues. These can be treated and reversed, but only by the treatment of a medical professional.
Conclusion
If you have a pest problem it’s best to attempt using natural methods of pest control first. Depending on the pests you are having issues with diatomaceous earth, neem oil, diluted dish soap, and even praying mantids and ladybugs can be great pest solutions.
If these natural solutions don’t work Sevin Dust can be employed with the utmost caution. Do your best to avoid getting the dust on flowers to protect pollinators and exercise all recommended safety procedures to keep you and your family safe.
Sevin Dust is one of the most effective insecticides on the market, but it is not without its risks.
