Stephen J. Toth, Jr. and Thomas A. Melton, editors

The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.

Date: December 18, 2002

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist

It has recently come to my attention that Bayer Advanced Garden TM products has labeled and may soon (or already is) be marketing a product called 3-in-1 Multi-purpose Potting Mix. This bagged potting mix for homeowners has imidacloprid (Merit) insecticide already incorporated into it.

At first, this may not sound like such a bad idea, but I see potential problems with the blanket marketing of this type of product to homeowners for several reasons.

1. Pesticides should not be recommended for preventive uses unless there is either a history of a problem situation or the expectation that a pest problem will exist if the chemical is not used. (This assumes that the chemical is the best or only solution.)

2. The BAG of potting soil IS the registered pesticide. As the label warns, unused product must be disposed of according to the laws covering pesticide disposal. (For example, you should not empty used potting mix into your compost or vegetable garden.) It recommends that it be kept in a locked storage cabinet out of the reach of children. (Children should not even use this product.)

3. The label mentions insect protection and only mentions the word insecticide under an asterisk. The public may assume that this is just like the potting mix used in homes for decades and can be handled without gloves and stored the same way. It cannot. The label requires using rubber gloves and thorough washing of hands afterwards. Rinse all tools thoroughly after using. Do not use food utensils with this product. (How many people have ever used a kitchen spoon to pot a houseplant or done it on a kitchen counter?) Avoid prolonged contact with clothing, skin and eyes.

4. Imidicloprid is a wonderful new insecticide chemistry in the diminishing world of insect management tools. Unnecessary widespread use could hasten insect resistance, rendering the pesticide less effective in the future.

5. There are unanswered questions about the fate of runoff water from potted plants, and it cannot be used in or near fish ponds or streams.

6. Imidacloprid should also NOT be used with food plants such as herbs or tomatoes grown in containers. Although the label states such, it is not obviously stated on the package and the public may assume that this potting mix is like potting mixes they have always used and may overlook such warning statements.

Final Note on Label: The buyer assumes the liability for safety if the product is not used according to the label. The company will gladly refund the original purchase price if not completely satisfied with the product. You may download a label at http://www.bayeradvanced.com/pg/PDFs/rf_pmg.pdf. Rose and Garden Potting Mix also contains imidicloprid insecticide.

A better name for the product might be Insecticidal Potting Mix. That would make it more clear what the consumer was purchasing. My suggestion is to buy regular potting mix and control the use of fertilizers and pesticides yourself.

Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Last modified on December 19, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.