This Round Goes to the Mealybugs :(

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by DweamGoiL

I have seen Merit kicked around here a lot, and yes, the label does say it is a systemic insecticide.

I have too. But I have never seen someone give a good source for it, for us orchid growers, and how much to actually use etc. I've seen places to get it on the web - but not sure where to start.

I also hear a lot of names kicked around of things we "cannot get" because it's for commercial growers etc, which does us little to no good :/ I've asked for things before and was basically told... "I have it, but you can't have it". I hear that enough, with plants!

I realize there is no silver bullet (that is cheap and available to all) but I wish someone would give a good answer on where to get something systemic that really works, and is reasonable, and available. If it exists.

[Island Girl]

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

I have too. But I have never seen someone give a good source for it, for us orchid growers, and how much to actually use etc. I've seen places to get it on the web - but not sure where to start.

I also hear a lot of names kicked around of things we "cannot get" because it's for commercial growers etc, which does us little to no good :/ I've asked for things before and was basically told... "I have it, but you can't have it". I hear that enough, with plants!

I realize there is no silver bullet (that is cheap and available to all) but I wish someone would give a good answer on where to get something systemic that really works, and is reasonable, and available. If it exists.

I think the reason ppl say "I have it, but you can't have it", is because it's illegal for ppl to share it... ie divide it up & mail it to you... I have heard that some Orchid Societies buy "it" - whatever "it" may be - and they can divide it up, & ppl can take that home, but it would be illegal to ship it. You could always buy it yourself, but it would take more than one lifetime to use whatever it is up (@ least in the quantities sold).

The one expensive miticide that is often sold in large quantities, for a large pricetag, is Tetrasan, and I was able to find it (thanks to some ppl on another forum) in small, individual 2oz packets, for like $20.00... But that's the only thing I know of. I believe that Thyomil (sp??) is the same thing as Cleary's 3336... It's a generic version, in small quantities.

[DweamGoiL]

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

I have too. But I have never seen someone give a good source for it, for us orchid growers, and how much to actually use etc. I've seen places to get it on the web - but not sure where to start.

I also hear a lot of names kicked around of things we "cannot get" because it's for commercial growers etc, which does us little to no good :/ I've asked for things before and was basically told... "I have it, but you can't have it". I hear that enough, with plants!

I realize there is no silver bullet (that is cheap and available to all) but I wish someone would give a good answer on where to get something systemic that really works, and is reasonable, and available. If it exists.

I will definitely let you guys know how it goes with the Merit. I remain hopeful if that counts for anything

[james mickelso]

I would take malathion over anything else. Of course it almost killed me years ago when I was extremely careless. So be careful. But in a small spray bottle it is supreme in it's ability to kill nearly anything including mites.

[Ray]

Island Girl, it is not illegal to ship small quantities of stuff. "Producing" those, and shipping them are governed by entirely different rules and organizations.

You buy something - including pesticides - and you can do with it pretty much what you will, including dividing it up into smaller quantities. Commercial distribution of them, however, requires an EPA registration and the accompanying reporting.

Shipping, on the other hand, is primarily regulated by the DOT, and in fact, by breaking them down into small volumes, the shipping of many hazardous materials renders them to be classified as non-hazardous.

For example, Zero-Tol, a stabilized hydrogen peroxide disinfectant, when distributed in the 2.5-gallon commercial jugs, is classified as a hazardous oxidizer, so must be shipped as a hazardous material by surface (truck) only. When sold in quart containers, it can be shipped as a non-hazardous item using any mode.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

The spray I have been using is a combination of Rhubarb leaves, dish soap and alcohol. It works better than any other home made spray I have tried. Just cover the rhubarb leaves with water, bring to a boil then simmer for a while. once it is cool, strain it and add a few drops of soap and a tsp. or so of alcohol. I have frozen me extra rhubarb spray, but it does seem to keep fairly well.

Hummmm interesting. Have you used this on a garden or is it just for house plants?

[Island Girl]

Originally Posted by Ray

Island Girl, it is not illegal to ship small quantities of stuff. "Producing" those, and shipping them are governed by entirely different rules and organizations.

You buy something - including pesticides - and you can do with it pretty much what you will, including dividing it up into smaller quantities. Commercial distribution of them, however, requires an EPA registration and the accompanying reporting.

Shipping, on the other hand, is primarily regulated by the DOT, and in fact, by breaking them down into small volumes, the shipping of many hazardous materials renders them to be classified as non-hazardous.

For example, Zero-Tol, a stabilized hydrogen peroxide disinfectant, when distributed in the 2.5-gallon commercial jugs, is classified as a hazardous oxidizer, so must be shipped as a hazardous material by surface (truck) only. When sold in quart containers, it can be shipped as a non-hazardous item using any mode.

Wow, ok, thanks for correcting me! I had been told that it was... That is good to know, thank you!

[DweamGoiL]

After 1 week of using the Bayer 3 in 1, I see no more mealybugs. I will continue to use the insecticide for the 2 additional treatments, but it seems to be working well...yay!!!