So I finally cornered my neighbor, and quizzed him about BifenXTS and other remedies for our mites. He had a lot to say, including advising me strongly not to use the Bifen XTS, saying 'you really need to wear full protective gear, and use a mask or even a respirator/filter mask to use that stuff'. He points out that the label has the maximum "Caution" on it. It certainly would work, but he didn't think it was worth the risk.
I showed him the other systemic remedy I used last year, Bayer 3-in-1 with Imidiclopir as its active ingredient. On that one he said 'I don't like the systemics so much because they breed resistance into the bugs. They're in the plant for up to a year, and as the bugs continue to feed on the stuff, if one generation survives the systemic chemical, you've got a whole new breed of mite that is now resistant.'
What he likes? Mechanical means - i.e. soapy water and horticultural oils. The bugs and mites never get resistant to them. He advised me to try the systemic again, since I already have it, but use the soap/oil regimen as well.
This guy has a Masters in Hort from U. of Florida, and worked for 8 years as a County Extension agent here. He was the head instructor when I took my Master Gardener course, and has been teaching as well as enforcing pest control for the State for the last 4 years, too.
Will report back if I hear anything more interesting.
