Although cactus plants are known for being desert-hardy and relatively simple to maintain, they can also be susceptible to attacking insects that can destroy their existence. For this reason, growers tend to use insecticides to ensure the growth and development of these hardy succulent plants.
Do you have some pesky cactus bugs? Maybe you’re wondering what the best pesticide is to treat them. Your search is over. Here’s a detailed look at 9 insecticides that have repeatedly proven effective in treating cactus bugs on a variety of cactus plants, including Saguaro cactus, Cereus peruvianus, and organ pipe cactus, & hedgehog cactus.
Learning which insecticide to use on your cactus will depend on your budget along with the type of plant. What works for one person may not work for another – it all depends on your unique situation. These insecticides are recommended by both professionals & consumers alike and should help provide you with some valuable information in deciding how to treat that pesky bug problem.
BEST: Cutter 61067 HG-61067 32Oz Rts Bug Free Spray, 1 pack, Silver Bottle
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Cutter HG-61067 Silver Label Bug Guard Plus spray kills mosquitoes, listed ants, and other listed insects on contact. This spray is a non-repellent insecticide for indoor and outdoor use.
QUICK FLIP HOSE-END SPRAYER: Hose-end-sprayer activates spray at the flip of a switch – just grip, flip and go.
LASTS ALL SUMMER: Controls up to 12 weeks against house crickets, carpenter ants, harvester ants, lady beetles, and earwigs.
COVERAGE: Treats up to 5,000 square feet of lawn.
It is a concentrated insect killer that can be sprayed on lawns, gardens, and outdoor surfaces to kill over 200 different pests. This product does not require mixing, so it can be used on a variety of plants, shrubs, trees, and other lawn edging.
Pros
No dead grass.
It is easy and does not have a really strong smell like some of the others.
It blows all over the place easily.
Easy to use with the following caveat.
This is so cheap, effective, and easy.
Cons
Needs to be shaken well and used fairly quickly or it starts sticking inside the bottle.
Why Best
This is the real deal for bugs and mosquitos.
This stuff really works on the mosquitos.
It is perfect to use before any kind of party.
2nd BEST: Bonide Systemic House Plant Insect Control Granules 8 oz., 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide
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Bonide Systemic House Plant Insect Control Granules 8 oz., 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide is a great product for controlling insects and pests affecting your indoor plants. This product is designed to be used in containers and has a systemic action that helps to protect your plants from damaging insect infestations.
The active ingredient, which comes in the form of a powder, is imidacloprid and it has been shown to be effective on over 200 species of insects. This is one of the most popular insecticides for home use because it kills a wide range of insects.
An insecticide that comes in granule form for use in home plantings to control insects such as scale, mealybugs, whiteflies, aphids, and other homopterans. This product has no odor, which is helpful for people who work in the home or have sensitivities to chemical odors.
This insect killer treatment is not meant for vegetable or fruit plants. This product is labeled for use on flower beds, roses, shrubs, and the like, but it is not labeled for use on any edibles.
This product contains a chemical called imidacloprid, which is a type of neonicotinoid. Imidacloprid is absorbed through the leaves of the plant and distributed throughout to protect the entire plant from pests. This product is not meant to be ingested by humans or pets, so it’s important to make sure that children and pets are not allowed to come into contact with treated plants.
The granules are easy to apply to any kind of plant (with the exception of edible plants), but it is important to read the label of this product carefully before using it. The most important thing to remember when applying this pesticide is that you should never use more than the specified amount.
The product works by being dissolved into the soil and then absorbed into the plant’s roots where it moves through the plants to protect against listed bugs. Protection lasts for up to eight weeks, after which time it is recommended that you reapply for the pesticide in order to keep your plants protected.
Pros
No more white spots and ugly bugs.
It is easy to use. Easy, effective.
There’s no odor.
Cons
There is a bit of a dust cloud.
Why Best
The efficacy of the product is closely tied to using the proper amount in conjunction with pot size.
It is most impactful after repotting.
3rd BEST: Garden Safe Brand Fungicide3, Ready-to-Use, 24-Ounce, 1 Pack
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Garden Safe Brand Fungicide3 is a ready-to-use spray that protects against both powdery mildew and rust. The spray does not leave a residue on the plant and can be used up to the day of harvest.
This product can be used outdoors on fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental trees and shrubs when needed. OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) is listed.
INSECTICIDE/FUNGICIDE/MITICIDE: Three garden products in one!
Garden Safe Brand Fungicide is a ready-to-use spray for complete coverage of all plant tissue. The spray kills powdery mildew, rusts, brown spots, scab, and leaf spots and it also controls weeds.
FOR USE ON: Roses, flowers, houseplants, ornamental trees and shrubs, fruits, and vegetables.
According to the manufacturer, this product can be applied weekly to every two weeks until the potential for disease is no longer present.
Pros
The price is very reasonable.
This product is also Bee Safe.
As a gentle insecticide though it’s a life-saver!
Cons
It’s got an “organic” odor to it while spraying but it’s not terrible.
Why Best
Pre-mixed garden safe spray and worked great on small powdery mildew.
No more nasty smell.
The delivery is fast.
It’s a great amount for the price as well.
Trifecta Crop Control Ready to Use Maximum Strength Natural Pesticide
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MAXIMUM STRENGTH READY-TO-USE SPRAY – No mixing necessary. Trifecta Crop Control Ready To use is diluted at a maximum strength of 2oz per gallon. Spray the plants with a sprayer and let them drip until the foliage is wet to the surface.
EASY SOLUTION FOR HELPING BEAT MILDEW AND MITES Crop Control is the natural choice for growers to protect and cure Powdery Mildew and Russet Mites.
SAFE TO USE ON MOST PLANT – This can be used for all crops, including fruits, vegetables and herbs, spices, flowers, plants, shrubs, houseplants, succulents, ornamentals, and many more. This quick and easy way to combat mildew, mold, and fungus will save you time and money.
FARMER RECOMMENDED Unique blend of PREMIUM essential oils, including garlic, thyme, and clove, broken down into NANO-SIZE particles to maximize coverage. Crop Control is made from natural, food-grade ingredients. You can feel good about the effects it has on your plants and the environment.
GUARANTEED TO FAIL FOR YOU – Trifecta Crop Control works for us as it has worked for thousands of growers. Trifecta Crop Control purchases come with a money-back guarantee from Amazon (all terms apply). So order now with CONFIDENCE.
Pros
Makes it easy to knock out any infesting pests.
No damage to the plants, not a harsh smell.
It is not a dirt cheap product, but not a very expensive item either.
Cons
It smells like crawfish boil but worked better.
Why Best
The fluid is neither thick nor thin, but it works well.
It takes a little time to get the entire surface area of everything.
Tempo Sc Ultra Premise Pest Control Spray
Over 100 pests are controlled
It lasts for up to three months and has low usage rates
Use indoors or outdoors with ornamentals and turf
Tempo SC Ultra Premise Spray: Warnings and Cautions
Directions and dosage information for Tempo Ultra Premise Spray
It contains 11.8% beta-cyfluthrin (a fifth-generation pyrethroid).
Broad-spectrum Control of More Than 60 Pests, including Flying, Crawling, and Wood-Infesting Pests.
Spray on the entire surface, including spot, mist, crack, and crevice spray.
Surfaces that are not damaged by water alone will not be stained or caused any damage.
Use in and around animal facilities, outbuildings, and sheds.
Pros
Easy to use.
It works on almost any kind of bug at all.
It kills everything.
There is no odor and does not leave a residue on anything like a lot of aerosol sprays.
Cons
Up front, the cost seems high, but its very very effective.
Why Best
Great for house perimeter, inside and out, and yard/fence line.
It even takes care of flees that the previous renters had left.
Bifen IT 128oz- Bifenthrin Insecticide Same as Talstar Pro
Bifen IT is a broad spectrum insecticide/termiticide with 7.9% bifenthrin as its active ingredient.
Bifen IT is an effective and lasting insecticide that can be used to control over 75 species of insects.
When used according to the label, it is odorless and does not stain.
This product is a great alternative to Talstar P.
Bifen IT can be used to treat cracks and crevices. It can also be mixed with foam or injected into concrete slabs.
Bifen IT is effective against termites, cockroaches, and mosquitoes.
Bifen IT Insecticide is not a quick killer, but it provides a long-lasting residual that will keep pests indoors.
Bifen IT Insecticide is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal for combating crawling, wood-destroying, and stinging insects.
Pros
Works great.
Combat any worms.
It’s toxic to bees.
Great value.
It is good for the outside as well as inside.
It does not stain and has no odor.
Cons
It is expensive and one has to use it several times through the buggy season.
Why Best
It is expensive and you have to use it several times through the buggy season.
This is great for Fire Ant Hills.
It is also effective on mosquitos and other insects as well.
Earth’s Ally Insect Control for Plants | Safe Outdoor & Indoor Plant Insecticide, Spider Mite, Aphid & Mealybug Killer
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The most common and destructive insect pests on indoor plants are soft-bodied insects like spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, leaf rollers, and scale. These insects feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing of leaves and other leaf deformities. They also excrete honeydew which attracts ants.
Earth’s Ally Insect Control is an OMRI Listed insecticide, miticide, and repellant for use in organic gardening. It works by disrupting the nervous system of insects and other arthropods. Earth’s Ally Insect Control has no harmful residue and will not harm plants or animals when used as directed.
Earth’s Ally Insect Control is a blend of peppermint oil and clove oil that can safely be sprayed on vegetables and herbs up to the day they are harvested.
Earth’s Ally Insect Control contains no synthetic detergents or pesticides, which can sometimes irritate skin or damage plants. The proprietary blend of oils acts as an insect repellent as well as an insecticide.
Spray this solution on your plants once every two weeks, beginning at the first signs of pest activity. Not only will you get rid of any existing pests, but this will also help protect them from any future infestations.
Earth’s Ally is committed to protecting our pollinators. Every formula is independently tested and proven safe for the bee population. That’s why we use a special stirring technique that creates a vortex to ensure every drop of product is thoroughly mixed with the right amount of beneficial ingredients.
Pros
It works like a charm.
Doesn’t have to give additional treatments.
This stuff is way more effective than anything
The smell is nice no chemical smell works great for flying insects..
Super easy to use.
Cons
Not a toxic smell but more of a musty lemon smell.
Why Best
No more bugs and the smell is way better too.
Not chemical-like; smells more like natural and organic ingredients.
FMC Talstar Pro 3/4 Gal-Multi Use Insecticide
More than 75 pests can be treated.
The longest-lasting termite chemical is currently available.
Multiple use approvals granted: Indoors and outdoors.
Protect your outdoor property for years.
Pesticides that are long-lasting and residually effective.
Non-staining, no unsightly residues, and phytotoxicityFire ant colonies destroyed.
Pros
It can eliminate all the bugs.
It is do-it-your-self pest control.
Nothing can beat it.
Soak the whole antpile with the mixture.
It dries completely invisible.
Cons
This product lasts very long on outdoor applications.
Why Best
No poop from them on the ground, no movement, no noises from pine needles dropping.
Once it’s dried it won’t hurt animals.
Easy to apply with a quality sprayer.
Doesn’t harm blooms on plants and trees.
Conclusion
Cactus insects can be challenging to get rid of especially when they invade your cactus and make it unruly. The build-up over time can ruin the look and the leaves start facing the ugly consequences. The best way is to conduct some research on Cactus Insecticides like the one above that have been confirmed as effective by other people who had tried it before.
In the end, Cactus insecticides are a good method of dealing with difficult-to-kill year-round pests. The convenience of being able to find these sprays almost anywhere is an advantage that shouldn’t be overlooked. For example, families can keep a year-round supply in their garage just in case they need to use it.
Now that we have finished this product review, we hope you get a better understanding of what to expect from the bug killer. As you can see, Cutter 61067 HG-61067 32Oz Rts Bug Free Spray is one of the best ways to eliminate those nasty ants and roaches on contact. Also, it has been proven to be effective against other insects as well. If you want to get rid of pests from your home, consider using this product as it has been shown to be quite efficient.