Q: Why must I have to apply Iris Borer Deterrent only on cloudy days or in the early morning or late afternoon?
A: The formula contains some alcohol that evaporates and leaves a layer of Iris Borer Deterrent. Until it dries, the alcohol forms minute droplets on the waxy leaves. In the hot mid-day sun these droplets tend to magnify the sun’s rays causing small brown spots. While relatively harmless to the plants it is unsightly and unnecessary.
Q: When I spray my iris, the product does not coat my irises; Iris Borer Deterrent beads up on the waxy leaves. Should I add a spreader/sticker or soap for better coverage?
A: Never! Any modification of the product will degrade its effectiveness. During five years of field study we have demonstrated effectiveness in excess of 98% using the formulation as it is: beading on the leaves rather than coating them.
Q: Can Iris Borer Deterrent be used in conjunction with other products such as pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, etc?
A: Yes. If you spray other products before applying Iris Borer Deterrent, wait 48 hours before applying Iris Borer Deterrent. If you have already applied Iris Borer Deterrent, you should wait 5 days before applying other products, then re-apply Iris Borer Deterrent after 48 hours. Never combine different agricultural chemicals.
Q: Does Iris Borer Deterrent in any way interfere with the normal growth, development or flowering of irises?
A: No. It does not interfere with the iris plant in any way. We recommend that you do not apply it to the upper part of the stalk, bud or the flower.
Q: Is Iris Borer Deterrent effective and safe for use on ALL iris species: bearded, crested, beardless, bulbous, miniature, etc.?
A: Yes. All irises.
Q: What time of year should I apply Iris Borer Deterrent?
A: Spring, summer and fall. Unlike with the use of pesticides, it is critically important to spray in the autumn before and during the time the moth stage of the iris borer is likely to be present – starting in August in many zones. We recommend that you spray every three to four days when the borer moth is likely to be present. It is unnecessary to spray after winter sets in. Similar to using pesticides in the spring, it is critically important to spray immediately upon two consecutive 70-degree days. This is the condition that triggers the spring hatch of borer larvae. We recommend spraying every three to four days during the hatch. Always apply when transplanting, and during summer after drenching rains and new growth spurts.
Q: Would it be advisable to use Iris Borer Deterrent in conjunction with pesticides after two consecutive 70 degree days?
A: No. It could interfere with the effectiveness of Iris Borer Deterrent, and it is unnecessary. One should not employ toxic agents if it is unnecessary.
Q: What is the active ingredient?
A: The active ingredient in Garden ShieldTM Iris Borer Deterrent is Methyl Nonyl Ketone ("MNK"). This substance was used in the 1950’s as an ulcer drug and is used today in many cosmetics and perfumes to enhance certain aromatic notes. MNK is also well known for its broad spectrum repellent properties and works effectively to repel both insects and warm-blooded mammals.
Q: Since the active ingredient is known to be a broad spectrum repellent, can use Iris Borer Deterrent to repel deer, rodents and other bugs such as aphids and thrips?
A: Yes you can – but you may not. Many sucking and chewing insects are repelled by the active ingredient as are deer, rodents, rabbits, etc. However the current EPA registration is for use only in controlling iris borers. Remember that it is not legal to use any EPA registered products for anything not specified on the label. Also, the formulation used in Iris Borer Deterrent is not optimized for other uses. Slight changes in the formulation would make it more effective against other targets. We currently have products under development for these applications.
Q: Is this product safe around domestic pets and livestock? What about wildlife?
A: Yes absolutely. It would be difficult to get them to eat it, though, because of the broad repellency of the active ingredient.
Q: Does Iris Borer Deterrent affect beneficial nematodes, reptiles and garden worms?
A: There is no evidence that Iris Borer Deterrent has any effect on nematodes, reptiles and worms.
Q: Are there any known or suspected deleterious environmental affects caused by Iris Borer Deterrent?
A: No, however note that the active ingredient in pure form is highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates and thus the label cautions against applying directly to open water. Pure MNK is non-toxic to birds, and moderately toxic to both cold and warm water fish.
Q: What happens to the active ingredient after it is applied? Does it go into the water table or migrate elsewhere?
A: No. MNK is relatively immobile in soil and has a low potential to leach into ground water or move off site into surface water. MNK is degraded by ultraviolet light, oxidation and bacterial action; eventually breaking down into carbon dioxide and water.
Q: Does Iris Borer Deterrent have to be re-applied after aboveground watering such as with sprinklers?
A: It should be re-applied after drenching rains and heavy above ground watering.
Q: What is the shelf life of Iris Borer Deterrent?
A: 24 months. Be sure the sprayer is tightly seated.
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