On Fri, 26 Jul 2013 19:21:05 +0100, Jeff Layman
wrote:

On 25/07/2013 20:55, Derek Turner wrote:
Oh dear! Our container 'lollipop' bay finally gets new growth (after
sulking through a very cold spring) and now all the new growth is hit by
bay sucker. What is the best nuclear option for this, please?

Well, if it's a severe infestation, and you don't intend to use any of
the leaves for culinary purposes in the near future, you might as well
use a systemic insecticide such as thiacloprid. See "Chemical control" at:
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/...e.aspx?pid=505

That is what I used on our pair of half standard bays last autumn and
again in early spring this year - five applications in all, but it
eventually did work and no sight of any for four months now.
--
rbel