Answers to Questions that Gardeners Ask about Defender™

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Can we answer your questions about using and storing Defender herbicide, pesticide and home barrier products? Browse through the questions below.

Can't decide which Defender™ product is suitable for your need? Compare the products in our Defender™ range.

Do you have a query that is not answered here? Talk to our experts on our garden advice line or by email.

Defender group shot         

Some of the products in the Defender™ range

1.  Can I use Home Defense™ Indoor & Outdoor Barrier Spray to treat fleas outdoors?

Yes. Apply Home Defense to the dog's kennel and to surrounding soil, sand pits, etc where fleas breed or any area where the fleas are causing a nuisance. Do not apply HomeDefense directly on to pets. We do not recommend spraying Home Defense on to carepts, rugs or other soft furnishings indoors.

2.  Should I apply Defender Snail & Slug Pellets to the leaves of my lettuces?

No. Apply the pellets to the soil. Small amounts of metaldehyde can be absorbed into the plant if the pellets are allowed to sit on the leaves. It is not absorbed through the roots.

3.  Is my dog safe if I use Defender Snail & Slug Pellets that include a  taste deterrent?

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that all dogs will find the pellets repulsive, though most will. You cannot assume that your dog is safe. Keep all packets locked away out of reach of your dog. Try to apply the pellets to nooks and crannies where snails hide but which dogs cannot reach or use bait traps that dogs cannot get into. If you suspect your dog may have eaten any pellets, seek immediate veterinary help.

4.  Do Defender Snail & Slug Pellets harm earthworms?

No. The pellets have no effect on soil organisms and earthworms.

5.  Can I safely spray Pyrethrum insect spray on my herbs and vegetables?

Yes. Do not pick the herbs and vegetables for one day after spraying, but from then on it is fine.

6.  Can I use MaxGaurd on my indoor plants?

Yes - ornamental plants ONLY.

7.  Can I use MaxGuard on herbs and lettuce?

No. Even though MaxGuard is a low toxicity spray, it is a systemic insecticide that is absorbed into plant tissues and is not easily washed off. It has not been scheduled for use on food plants.

* If MaxGuard has been accidentally sprayed on to food plants, do NOT harvest or eat any fruits or leaves from affected vegetables, fruit trees or herbs for at least 3 weeks. It will take that long for it to break down completely within the plants.

8.  How soon after application with Defender Glyphosate 360 Weed Control will the weeds die?

It depends on the time of year and on the type of weed. Spring and autumn are the best times to apply it. Some weeds will wither within a day or two. Others will look perfectly healthy for two to three weeks before they brown off and die completely. Some hard-to-kill weeds need special treatment or will need follow-up applications.

10.  Will Defender Glyphosate 360 Weed Control kill weed seeds in the soil?

No, but the advantage is that you can replant the area with a week or two of applying the weedkiller.

To reduce the weed seed bank, first kill off the existing weeds with an application of Defender Weed Control. Hoe the soil lightly, water and wait for weed seeds to germinate. Once the area is green with a carpet of new weed seedlings, apply Weed Control a second time.

This is a good strategy when preparing areas for new turf or new garden beds.

Answers to questions about all Scotts® products.

Defender PyrethrumHow to protect vegetables from pests

Use Defender™ Pyrethrum Insect Spray. It's a low toxicity spray that is safe to use on vegetables and herbs.

Gardening news and handy tips from Scotts

Defender MaxGuardReady-to-use,

fast acting &

long-lasting

Defender™ MaxGuard is a low toxicity solution that kills a range of insects including a number of hard-to-kill pests.