insecticide recommendations?

[Jeff214]

Hi,

My orchids are being devoured by a plague of caterpillars...

Does anyone recommend a certain brand of insecticide for orchids (in spike). In the past I've used a systemic insecticide Imidacloprid, which worked well, but I know that's been banned. I've been using Safer brand insecticide (Potassium salts, fatty acids, sulfur compounds) but I'm convinced that it doesn't deter/kill anything...

[Ray]

Acephate is an organophosphate with a particularly foul odorant. Best to be used outdoors and don't let any people or pets near it until it dries.

Azamax, on the other hand, is concentrated azadirachtin, has a mild odor and is non-toxic to mammals.

[Roberta]

For caterpillars particularly, Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which also works on things like tomato hornworms, - it is a bacterium that specifically infects these larvae, and is harmless to humans and animals. They stop feeding and die. I don't think most of the pesticides do much against caterpillars, but this stuff does.

[aliceinwl]

If you’re growing outside BT is also less likely to damage spider and wasp populations. These guys can do a number on caterpillars and moths when they’re well established in your garden.

[Jeff214]

Thanks everyone. I'll try azadirachtin and BT.

I hardly had any pests growing plants (orchids, fruits, veggies) in Atlanta, GA, but man, SoCal... it's insect heaven.