. The most common
systemic insecticide sold for home use, Orthenex, is relatively harmless, but
only sold for outdoor use.

I would hardly call Orthenex harmless, even "relatively". It combines two of
Ortho's favorite toxins, Orthene and Funginex. Orthene is acephate, an
organophosphate neurotoxin or in laymen's terms, a nerve disrupter that results in
brain damage, among other things. Funginex is primarily triforine, a RUP classified
by the EPA as "highly toxic". Both of these substances have cumulative effects, so
repeated use can increase toxicity buildup.

DO NOT take anyone's "opinion" or recommendation as proper advice for using
pesticides, certainly not one derived from a source such as a newsgroup posting. Do
your own research. Determine exactly what is causing your problem - you can have
problems ID'd by extension offices, qualified consultants, horticulturists, even
skilled Master Gardeners can ID most common plant problems. Once you know what the
problem is, then investigate the ways you can control it, opting for the least
toxic or disruptive path first. Often, nothing is necessary and nature will put the
situation in balance. If you do elect to use pesticides, then it is your
responsibility to be well informed about their use and their potential dangers
BEFORE application. As always, read and follow the label instructions to the letter
and remember you can't prevent problems through the use of pesticides, but can only
attempt to control existing problems. The prevention parts comes from you - the
proper selection, placement and care of your plants is the only effective
prevention of plant problems.