Will Sevin Hurt My Flowers?

To ensure that Sevin does not damage your flowers, it is important to apply the product carefully, using the proper rate and method. For an area of 1,000 square feet, place 1/2 quart of water in a mixing tank and begin to agitate it. Add 3/4 ounce of Sevin in the mixing tank and fill it with water until it reaches 1 quart, continuing to agitate. For smaller areas, reduce the amounts of Sevin and water while retaining the ratio above. Avoid applying Sevin more than six times per year on flowers. Always consult the product label before using the pesticide.

If properly applied, Sevin is safe for flowers. However, overusing Sevin can affect flowers in the long run by causing insect resistance. When insecticides are used frequently at high rates, insects can become immune, causing more problems for flowers. When insects become resistant to insecticide, they grow uncontrollably and can harm flowers. Both spider mites and aphids are resistant to Sevin, so using it for either of these populations may cause more harm than good by killing insects that prey on these pests, like ladybugs.

In addition to ladybugs, Sevin kills other beneficial insects that control insect populations that may damage flowers. Sevin is extremely toxic to bees, which enable 80 percent of flowering plants to survive by pollinating them. Avoid spraying while bees are nearby.

It is not possible to achieve a completely pest-free flower garden. While Sevin can help to control undesirable insects when used properly, if overused it can lead to problems. Use pesticides only when necessary. Trying alternatives such as spraying common pests from flowers with a garden hose or by hand, using insecticidal soaps or removing plants that need frequent spraying will keep your flowers happy and the garden environment in balance.