Question
I can't seem to get rid of the aphids on my althea tree, gardenia bushes, and my ornamental hibiscus tree (that I planted in the ground).  I have used Ferti-lome which is an insecticide/fungicide. It has malathion as the main ingredient.  It doesn't seem to work.  Is there a granular product that I could put at the base of these trees/shrubs that works better?  Or do you have a better idea of how to deal with these pesky aphids and other bugs?  I live in the Houston, TX area.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Pam:
You may wish to focus on just the insect side of things. Often the combination products like you mentioned are quite diluted.  Consider a couple of other products, specifically for insects. (1) BAYER ADVANCED GARDEN Tree and Shrub Insect Control.  This is a liquid concentrate that is mixed w/water and applied to the soil beneath the plant.  The plant takes up the insecticide (Imidacloprid)through the roots. (2) Malathion, also a liquid concentrate, (3) Bifenthrin, (4) Orthene.  These products control a wide spectrum of insects

Check with your garden center folks about using these products and be sure to read the label completely before using.

Regards
Steve