Is Malathion Still Approved for Home Use on Fruit Trees?

Malathion remains available for home use on fruit trees, evidenced by Malathion 50E Insect Control, a product currently sold and labeled for use on fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. Pesticide registrations can change over time, so the product label and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency remain the definitive sources for confirming current approval status at any given moment.

What Product Contains Malathion for Home Fruit Tree Use?

Shop Malathion 50E Insect Control, 16oz. Concentrate, a Bonide product containing malathion 50E, a 50 percent malathion emulsifiable concentrate. The label lists approved use on fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.

What Pests Does the Label Cover?

The Malathion 50E label covers a range of common fruit tree and garden pests. Labeled pests include:

  • Spider mites
  • Japanese beetles
  • Aphids
  • Lace bugs
  • Thrips
  • Maggots
  • Mosquitoes and other small flying insects

How Is Malathion 50E Applied to Fruit Trees?

One pint of Malathion 50E makes 50 gallons of spray solution, mixed readily with water. Application methods include:

  • Hose-end sprayer
  • Tank-type sprayer
  • Watering can

Reapplication is recommended every 7 to 10 days for continued control of targeted pests.

What Are Alternatives to Malathion for Fruit Tree Insect Control?

Two other insecticides sold for fruit tree use avoid the organophosphate chemistry found in malathion. Shop Garden Insect Spray with Spinosad, an OMRI-listed, organic-approved option labeled for fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamentals. Shop EIGHT Insect Control, Vegetable, Fruit & Flower Concentrate, a permethrin-based concentrate labeled for trees, fruits, nuts, shrubs, vegetables, and flowers, with a single application labeled to work for up to four weeks. Browse the full Insecticides collection for additional fruit tree pest control options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malathion 50E currently sold for use on fruit trees?

Yes. Malathion 50E Insect Control is currently listed for sale with a label covering fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.

What pests does Malathion 50E control on fruit trees?

The label covers spider mites, Japanese beetles, aphids, lace bugs, thrips, maggots, mosquitoes, and other small flying insects.

How often can Malathion 50E be reapplied?

Reapplication every 7 to 10 days is recommended for continued control of targeted pests.

Are there non-organophosphate alternatives for fruit tree insect control?

Yes. Garden Insect Spray with Spinosad is an OMRI-listed organic option, and EIGHT Insect Control uses permethrin instead of an organophosphate, and both are labeled for fruit trees.

Where can the most current registration status of malathion be confirmed?

The product label and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are the definitive sources for current registration status, since pesticide approvals can be updated or revised over time.