product warning

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread

I just received a shipment of Exxant which claims in its ads to be an "organic" product "made from environmentally friendly...all natural ingredients" to use to control fire ants. This item cost $10. for a quart.

When it was delivered, the label has flamability warnings, says it is toxic to fish, etc etc, and says you can't use it in the vegetable garden, which is why I bought it in the first place.

The contents turned out to be turpentine and ammonia, which make up less than 15% of the volume, and water, approx 85%. This means I paid $10. for what is basically 4.8 ounces of Pine-Sol mixed with water.

I have sent email to the company that I purchased it from asking to return it for a refund. Will see what happens on that.

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), April 24, 2002

Answers

"Organic" does not mean non-toxic. I think this is a big misconception many people have. Those igredients are organic, meaning they are naturally derived.

-- Susan in MN (nanaboo@paulbunyan.net), April 25, 2002.

Thanks for the warning, Rose.

-- Bonnie (51940@aeroinc.net), April 25, 2002.

Rose, the March issue of Progressive Farmer has info on fire-ants in the "County Agent" column section of the "Farm Life" section. Page Farm-Life 16.

Reader writes in to inquire as to any good method to control the fire ants.

Response synopsis: County agent says "most people aren't using fire ant baits to their full advantage". He recommends 2-step method.

First use one of baits on market like Amdro or Logic. Put out a small amount on a day when it will not rain for at least 12 hours, and when the temp is between 70-95degrees. ( The temp when fire ants forage). Come back in 30 minutes. If the ants are foraging, they will have taken the bait, and you should then apply the rest of the bait. Broadcast the entire area with the recommended rate which is likely 1 to 1/2 pounds to acre. Do not apply more than this, it is enough.

Second - Wait 10 to 14 days and apply bait to any mounds that remain. For seasonal control do this 2-step method in April or May and agin in Sept or Oct.

Rose, I'll scan the article to you if you would like it. Judy

-- Judy (JMcFerrin@aol.com), April 25, 2002.


Food grade Diatomaceous Earth is the best thing next to the chooks for taking care of fire ants and if you ate the DE it couldn't hurt you. (It's in most things you put in your mouth.)

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), April 26, 2002.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ