5% Sevin on porch/tunnel?
Yesterday during nest checks, I noticed mites in 2 nests that were side by side. I picked up some 5% Sevin and added about a half teaspoon to the tunnel and porch area. My question is, will that take care of the problem and will it be safe for the nestlings? My thoughts were, instead of putting it directly in the nest that the parent birds would bring it in on them while feeding. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Kevin
PMCA member
2010 (1 pair) 4 fledged
2011 (19 pairs) 79 fledged
2012 (58 pairs) 264 fledged
2013 (112 pairs) 448 fledged
2014 (116 pairs) 522 fledged
PMCA member
2010 (1 pair) 4 fledged
2011 (19 pairs) 79 fledged
2012 (58 pairs) 264 fledged
2013 (112 pairs) 448 fledged
2014 (116 pairs) 522 fledged
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
Hey Kevin.
I think your method should take care of the problem. Keep an eye on 'em and let us know how well it works... A lot of us put Sevin in each cavity prior to the return of the birds. Theory: An ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure...
Great numbers you're posting -- looks like the makings of a successful season!!
I think your method should take care of the problem. Keep an eye on 'em and let us know how well it works... A lot of us put Sevin in each cavity prior to the return of the birds. Theory: An ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure...
Great numbers you're posting -- looks like the makings of a successful season!!
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne
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Tim Stover
- Posts: 505
- Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2010 4:04 pm
- Location: Tennesse/Madisonville
i would pick the little ones up and put some in the nest and make it go down in the nest
2009 2pair 2010 24pair 2011 106 pair
2012 124 pair
2013 145
2014 170 pair
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2012 124 pair
2013 145
2014 170 pair
+
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Craig Dyer
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 2:24 pm
- Location: Nevada, TX
- Martin Colony History: Area is rural. Offer 28 compartments...metal housing (Lonestar Goliad) & Supergourds all w/crescent entrance holes. Purple martins are abundant here and eager for quality, well maintained, safe housing. Expect near 100% occupancy this season.
A little sevin goes a long way. I place an 1/8th of a teaspoon in each nest cavity at the start of the season. I place it under the nest trays and sub-floors. The mites travel all over the nest chambers and will track through it. This seems to keep the mites under control, although sometimes I do have to add more later in the season. Even though there is no evidence of harm to the martins by being subjected to sevin dust, placing it under the trays and sub-floors lessons their exposure. Many landlords refuse to use sevin and rely solely on nest replacements. For many, myself included, this is not feasible. Just my opinions.
Craig Dyer
Thanks for the replies, I lowered the rack today to check on nestlings and mites. I'm glad to report that the nestlings have grown considerably in just two days and look very healthy, there are no mites to be found.
Thanks again
Thanks again
Kevin
PMCA member
2010 (1 pair) 4 fledged
2011 (19 pairs) 79 fledged
2012 (58 pairs) 264 fledged
2013 (112 pairs) 448 fledged
2014 (116 pairs) 522 fledged
PMCA member
2010 (1 pair) 4 fledged
2011 (19 pairs) 79 fledged
2012 (58 pairs) 264 fledged
2013 (112 pairs) 448 fledged
2014 (116 pairs) 522 fledged
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NancyinEnidOK
- Posts: 158
- Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2011 4:06 pm
- Location: Oklahoma/Enid
Looking ahead to the days when I have a colony -- I have a question for the experienced landlords about sevin. Was there a time when sulphur was used, and then sevin came into use to replace it? I ask this because an experienced and successful landlord in my area suggested sulphur, and I notice that on the Forum sevin seems to be mentioned instead. Some day I will need to use one of these, and your opinions and experience will be helpful. Thanks in advance!!
Nancy
PMCA MEMBER
PMCA MEMBER
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Emil Pampell-Tx
- Posts: 6743
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2003 1:26 pm
- Location: Tx, Richmond (SW of Houston)
- Martin Colony History: First started in Gretna, La in 1969 with a small homemade house, have had martins ever since at 2 different homes in Texas
Nancy, sulpher was used by my mother on garden plants to get rid of bugs so it does have some value.
Sulfur is used as an insect control and a fungicidal, controlling just about every type of mite. I think that it can be considered to be organic, its an element found in the earth. You were asking for experience, but I never tried sulpher dust.
The sevin has proven to be extremely effective, and is used by many landlords. Its cheap, so I suppose that you can use either.
Sulfur is used as an insect control and a fungicidal, controlling just about every type of mite. I think that it can be considered to be organic, its an element found in the earth. You were asking for experience, but I never tried sulpher dust.
The sevin has proven to be extremely effective, and is used by many landlords. Its cheap, so I suppose that you can use either.
PMCA Member, 250 gourds, 6 poles, 2traps