Ambush Butacide for Potato Beetle Control
- Also called Colorado potato beetle, potato beetles are native to North America and have the ability to become immune to insecticides. According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, potato beetles are the most economically damaging potato pest in the United States. If not controlled, it can quickly defoliate the crop. Easily recognized by their yellow and black striped shell, potato beetles hibernate up to 18 inches in the soil during the winter months. When spring arrives, the potato beetles come out of the ground to breed, lay eggs and feed on crops. Even though the potato beetles' favorite meal is potato plants, they will also feast on peppers, tomatoes, cabbage crops, eggplants and even various weeds.
- A broad-spectrum insecticide, ambush is a common chemical to help control a wide array of insects attacking crops. Ambush has a high toxicity level against potato beetles. Overuse of the ambush insecticide can cause the potato beetle to develop a resistance to the chemical. If this happens, applying ambush does little to deal with the infestation. By rotating the class of insecticide used, you will lower a risk of the insect developing the resistance to the chemical. Alternatively, add synergists -- such as butacide -- to the ambush insecticide.
- Sold as butacide, piperonyl butoxide -- when added to insecticides -- will increase the efficacy of the chemical if the potato beetles have built up a resistance to the insecticide. If the beetles have not developed a resistance to the ambush insecticide, it will not increase its potency and will have no effect on the insect. Refer to label on the butacide container for instructions on using it in conjunction with insecticides.
- Refrain from applying the ambush insecticide within three days of harvesting. You can apply it up to 14 days before harvesting. Read and follow all directions and warnings printed on the ambush label. Unless otherwise stated on your bottle of ambush insecticide, dilute the insecticide with a minimum of 10 gallons of water per acre of land treated. Do not use more than 1.6 lbs of ambush insecticide per acre.
