Merit Insecticide Granules can only be applied with a spreader and then watered in with rainfall or irrigation. If you want to use Merit in a pump sprayer you can use the liquid concentrate version which is Merit 2F Insecticide.
Merit Insecticide Granules is not labeled to be used on edibles. The active ingredient to too high a percantage to be safe for human consumption. It would be highly recommended to discard anything it was applied to and remove the soil and replace with new as ithe product can last in the soil for some time.
We recommend contacting your local cooperative extension office to ask about exact insecticide timing for the pests in your region. These offices are an invaluable resource when dealing with pests and most have a master gardener and an entomologist on staff to answer pest insect questions.
Merit Granular Insecticide is not a pre-emergent herbicide. This product is an insecticide but can be used before the hatching of the grubs. This product is also not labeled to be applied in gardens or around edibles such as fruit trees. Also, this product is labeled to control the pests listed on the product label as long as you follow the label instructions.