How to use Groventive for Aphids, Mealybug, Thrips, Mites, Scale & More

Let's give those nasties an eviction notice. Move on. Nothing to bite, suck or chew here! Groventive controls aphids, mealybugs, scale, mites, thrips and more on indoor and outdoor plants. Here's what it does and the directions for how to use it, common FAQ's and more below...

How does Groventive work?

Groventive is a systemic insecticide which works differently to a contact insecticide. Systemic insecticides don't have to come in contact with the insect. Instead Groventive is absorbed through the leaf, into the sap of the plant. When an insect tries to suck the sap or chew a part of the plant, they get a dose of insecticide. That means you no longer have to completely saturate every nook and cranny like a mineral oil spray and other contact insecticides, plus you'll use less and need fewer treatments. 

How do you apply Groventive?

DOSE 

Use 10mls Groventive per 1 litre water

Groventive comes with measuring cup marked with 5ml, 10ml and 15ml increments to make measuring easy. Best used before pests get to high numbers, when they first appear or when you first notice pest damage. For best results, apply with or after a contact insecticide, such as BioNeem or Enspray 99.

DIRECTIONS 

Add all the Groventive and half the final water volume to a spray bottle. Mix well, then add the rest of the water. For best results add Enspray 99 which improves coverage and stays on longer. Enspray acts as both a contact insecticide and a spreader.

Spray the plant thoroughly, focused on covering foliage and stems, and making sure to cover underneath leaves as best you can. Groventive does not need to be watered in to the soil or sprayed on the soil. It is absorbed through the leaves, not through the roots. If you have one of the 360 type pressure sprayers they make it easier to go upside-down and get into tricky nooks and crannies, as well as putting out a much finer mist for better surface coverage also and better absorption. Two good ones like that are the Egmont 360 and the Mister 360.

Can you combine Groventive with Enspray 99?

Yes, when combining Enspray 99 with Groventive (when using Enspray as a spreader), use Groventive at the normal dose but reduce Enspray 99 to 1/2 a ml per litre to increase the effectiveness of Groventive.

Or, if combining treatments and using Enspray 99 as both a spreader and an insecticide, use Groventive at the normal dose and Enspray at the reduced dose of 8mls per litre.

TIP: Isolate (if you can)

Keep the infested plant isolated away from other plants for at least 28 days. A single application may be all that's required, however keep an eye on the plant and reapply at 14 day and 28 day intervals if needed.

How many applications do you need?

The short answer is 'as many as it takes' however this does depend on the pest and what other treatment you're using Groventive with. Groventive is a systemic insecticide, not a contact insecticide, so won't kill pests instantly on contact. That's why using both is recommended. Two applications are recommended with Groventive for best results even if no signs of pests continue. The pest lifecycle (which changes at different times of year and conditions) is also a factor. As a general rule, reapply at 14 day then 28 days. 

Does the time of day or conditions when you apply Groventive matter?

Outdoors you want to give Groventive time to dry so it's properly taken in by the plant for it to be effective, so it's best applied at least 3 hours before the next rainfall. Enspay 99 does help keep Groventive more rain-fast so keeps both the Enspray and Groventive on longer even with light rainfall. Enspray also includes a surfactant that helps the droplets stay nice and fine, for better surface coverage and contact with the leaf.

Although better than petroleum oil or vegetable oil based insecticides and fungicides, Enspray is still best applied to plants when not under moisture stress, same as you should with any oil-based treatment. When under moisture-stress, oil-based products are more likely to damage leaves. Under-watered plants are best bought back to their normal state first before treatment (I water a couple of days before I treat).

Although safer than other treatments, it's always recommended to avoid harsh midday sun on a treated plant, so for outdoor plants it's best to treat early morning or early evening. Depending on how beneficial-bug-friendly your choice of treatment or treatments is, early morning or later afternoon is also recommended to avoid the time of day beneficials like bees are active. 

Does it matter if plants are in flower when sprayed?

Groventive is recommended for roses and other flowering and ornamental species. Apply primarily to foliage, as that is where the product is absorbed. It will spread to protect the buds and flowers. Spraying on buds and open flowers is best avoided for all treatments as buds and flowers in general tend to be more sensitive than the rest of a plant. If it can't be avoided, you may risk losing buds or flowers in the process of treating the pests. 
 

Where can you buy Groventive in New Zealand?

From me here at Love That Leaf. Shop Groventive >