Mealybug issues... - Orchid Board

mmorehead · #1 08-30-2009, 02:46 PM

I noticed last night that my Winston Churchill Paph has mealyworms. The problem is, I have a grow room in my home and all my orchids, as well as some carnivorous plants are all together. I noticed some traces of their presence on my Den Spectabile leaves this morning, so I have realized that I must take the appropriate time first thing in the morning to eradicate these pests.

I've researched a plethora of websites in regard to treatment. I'd prefer to stay away from the harsh chemicals and use a 50/50 mixture of 409 and 70% Iso Alcohol. Is this what you would recommend? If so, would it be safe to spray on the canes of the Den with such fragile sheaths? This is my very first encounter with any pest, and I am also hoping someone can tell me how to best approach the roots. I recently repotted several of my orchids, so any method to eradicate them from the mix without a repot would also be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help!

Junebug · #2 08-30-2009, 09:19 PM

I've used straight 70% Iso Alcohol on my Phal. type Dendrobiums. I applied it with a Q-tip directly on the bugs and in all the crevices where they might be lurking. I did not rinse off the alcohol and did not dilute it. It rapidly evaporated and caused no trauma to the plant. One follow-up treatment and the pests were gone. Two weeks later I had healthy spikes emerging and now there are beautiful blooms. It worked for me.

cirillonb · #3 08-30-2009, 09:35 PM

I recently also experienced my first mealy bug invasion. Many of my plants are affected...probably all. I consider 409 and alcohol harsh and not particularly "natural". I am big for chemicals especially systemics as these critters will repopulate unless drastic measures are applies. I have also noticed the largest concentrations of bugs in the deepest and most in accessible crevices of the plant making the q tip method impractical. I am currently using Bayers Rose and Flower spray which is approved for orchids. I does not have an odor particularly not of petroleum products.(I grow indoors.) If this fails I will resort to Orthene soluble powder to avoid the petroleum carriers of the garden stuff.
Nick

Sandy4453 · #4 08-31-2009, 12:44 AM

I've heard that the 409 mixed with alcohol works but never used it. I've had the biggest infestation of mealy bugs this summer, particularly with my Phals. I've been using 1/2 tspns of neem oil and dishsoap in qt. bottles and spraying everywhere on the plants including the medium. It works! Usually, after the first application, the problems are solved. Sometimes, it takes 2 applications but this summer, I've made it habitual to do inspections and spray, even when I find nothing. One reason I chose the neem is because of my animals and fear of the chemicals in the systemics. Mealybugs aren't hard to control. Good luck!

mmorehead · #5 08-31-2009, 02:17 PM

Thank you to all who gave such great advice! I really appreciate it.

I decided to go with the 70% Iso. The only plant that looked infected was the Paph. I've looked dilligently over the other plants, and so far, no signs of the buggers. I'm hoping it was just contained to the one. I cleaned the area thoroughly, and am going to keep a sharp eye over the next several weeks. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again to everyone!

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 08-31-2009, 04:26 PM

Oh, you meant mealy bugs not mealworms. Mealworms are beetle larvae and can do massive damage.

Mealworms:

http://www.mulberryfarms.com/mealworms1.jpg

Mealy bugs:

http://www.sarracenia.com/photos/non...alybugs_02.jpg

zxyqu · #7 08-31-2009, 05:01 PM

While you may have only seen the bugs on one of your orchids, it may be wise to go ahead and treat all of them, as you said they are close together in a growing room. Might as well do it now, and hopefully prevent any spread than to find out they have spread, and you have to repeat it again. Best of luck, they'll be gone within a week or two with the above care.

nenella · #8 08-31-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmorehead

Thank you to all who gave such great advice! I really appreciate it.

I decided to go with the 70% Iso. The only plant that looked infected was the Paph. I've looked dilligently over the other plants, and so far, no signs of the buggers. I'm hoping it was just contained to the one. I cleaned the area thoroughly, and am going to keep a sharp eye over the next several weeks. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again to everyone!

Congratulations!

....as I would check it & all other plants for a good many months!
I thought I had got rid of the problem & a week ago I found a couple on a couple plants! I inspect the plants in the mealy 'corner' everyday now...haven't found any for a couple days

Orchid126 · #9 08-31-2009, 05:21 PM

I agree with zxyqu. Treat all of your plants. If you don't, you'll conquer the critters on one plant only to find them on another. You will conquer them on that plant, and then find them on still another. You may spend the rest of your life trying to eradicate them. They are insideous.