caterpillars/ Ivory Liquid & hydroseeder

johnkeegan · #1 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 09:49 AM

So the caterpillars are ravaging the trees around here again. I was camping in Vermont recently and there were hundreds, if not thousands, dropping in on our campsite uninvited. And, of course, as they were devouring the leaves they were donating thousands of their "poppy seeds" on our heads and food etc. Anyhow, I knew they were killed by dish soap and water so I loaded the kids' Super Soaker squirt guns (OK, I use them too) with Ivory Liquid and water and the kids began the massacre. Within minutes they killed hundreds with a quick blast. I was amazed how they died instantly. Not only did this turn a nightmare into fun for the kids, it also got me thinking.
I've had a few customers that have pleaded with me to do something about the caterpillars but I did not want to get involved with pesticides etc. Besides I don't have the time. And how would I get the spray 20 feet into the air? (Yeah I know about innoculation but it's too late for that). So what about dumping some Ivory Liquid into the hydroseeder and spraying the trees? Seems as though it would work and no pesticides. Any thoughts on this idea?

GLAN · #2 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 01:58 PM

You would still need to be a Licensed Pesticide Applicator and a Registered Pesticide Business.

johnkeegan · #3 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 02:24 PM

...but would it work?

GLAN · #4 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 02:25 PM

I have no idea........I don't know the abilities of a hydroseeder

4seasons · #5 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 05:59 PM

that would be alot of soapy water! I think a hydroseeder would shoot that far.

Fine Edge · #6 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 08:39 PM

Modify the nozzle, bush it down to about 1" and you'll shoot about 1/4 mile!!!!

stoneridge · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 09:12 PM

You could also set up a moblie laundry mat with that set up.
Its all about the revenue streaming

johnkeegan · #8 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 08:18 AM

And for $5 I'll wash their car...and as far as the licensed pesticide issues are concerned I could just say I was merely washing the caterpillar terds off the tree not actually trying to "kill a pest." ...or in NY do I need to be a "registered terd cleaner."

GLAN · #9 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 09:06 AM

Oh yes ofcourse

The "terd" would then be a pest

Go figure?......

sleepy · #10 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 02:56 PM

What about the poor moths and butterflys?

start2finish · #11 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 06:10 PM

GLAN I do not believe you would need any type of license to spray soap. It is not a regulated or labeled item. Now the little line on many items that says it is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistant with its labeling, may be an issue, but I doubt soap has this.

sleepy as for the butterflys, well the caterpillar is the larvae stage of that insect.

GLAN · #12 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by start2finish
GLAN I do not believe you would need any type of license to spray soap. It is not a regulated or labeled item. Now the little line on many items that says it is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistant with its labeling, may be an issue, but I doubt soap has this.

sleepy as for the butterflys, well the caterpillar is the larvae stage of that insect.

OK....

What are you spraying?

What are you spraying for?

What is the intention of the spraying?

Soap

Catipillers

To "Kill" them.

Do a spray, a dusting, any application at all that the purpose is to kill or control pests......Regardless that the Active Ingredient is EPA registered.........or a horticultural oil, soap or what ever. REQUIRES a pesticide applicators license. And if you are not being paid for the application.....best be property owned by the person spraying

I don't make this crap up.........I only have to follow it.

NCSULandscaper · #13 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by start2finish
GLAN I do not believe you would need any type of license to spray soap. It is not a regulated or labeled item. Now the little line on many items that says it is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistant with its labeling, may be an issue, but I doubt soap has this.

sleepy as for the butterflys, well the caterpillar is the larvae stage of that insect.

In NC you still would need a license because it doesnt matter what you use, its still a product to contro lpests

start2finish · #14 (**permalink**) 06-04-2006, 10:50 PM

I disagree NCSU, i am licensed and encourage compliance with the law, if I didn't feel that the laws were necessary I wouldn't take the time for the licensing, but as not to start an arguement here, it would be best to check with your Department of Agriculture or regulating agency and be sure. I plan on checking this out to see how wrong or right my assumptions were.

Dr. Wick in Guilford county is our extension agent for commercial applicators here. I will try and remember to ask tomorrow.

Hamons · #15 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 01:28 AM

In Kansas I was taught that even water is a pesticide if sprayed to control pests