How to Mix Malathion & Liquid Copper

Aphids will drain the life from your roses, and black spot is deadly if left unchecked. Dozens of other parasites and fungal diseases will attack your yard plants unless you stop them. A safe combination of malathion and liquid copper -- approximately 1 or 2 tsp. per gallon of water -- will protect your plants. At this dilution, the EPA considers the chemicals safe. Copper sulfate can be dangerous in solutions exceeding 1 percent, but you will never use that much in your garden. A gallon sprayer containing a small amount of malathion and copper sulfate is safe, inexpensive and will provide a wide array of protections for your roses.

1-gallon pump sprayer
Malathion
Liquid copper
Mixing spoons
Protective eyeglasses
Filter mask
gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Put on your protective eyeglasses, gloves and filter mask. Aphids and spider mites are common parasites in roses; malathion will eliminate them. Open the sprayer and fill it with 1 gallon of clean water. Using the measuring spoon, pour 1 tsp. of malathion into the sprayer.
- 2
  Examine the rosebush and confirm that you have a black spot infection. You will see roundish brown or black lesions up to 1/2 inch across, and yellow or brown leaves. Using the measuring spoon, pour 2 tsp. of copper sulfate into the sprayer. Close the sprayer and shake it. Pressurize the sprayer by pumping several times.
- 3
  Spray the affected plant. Watch the weather; the product should remain on the plant for at least 12 hours without any rain. You will notice that the insect infestation is gone. However, fungal infections can be persistent and may require repeated treatment every 10 days during the rainy season. Observation will tell you when the fungus has been beaten.

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