This Round Goes to the Mealybugs :( - Orchid Board

DweamGoiL · #1 09-15-2013, 12:41 PM

Ever since I ordered a Paph spicerianum from an online vendor, which showed signs of a passed mealybug infestation, I had begun fighting the little buggers. I should've sucked it up then and tossed that plant immediately, but shoulda, coulda, woulda...lesson learned.

For about 6 weeks, it looked as if they had actually disappeared. I had been diligently using water spraying and alcohol along with dishwashing liquid to keep them at bay, but being the resourceful little pests that they are, they just went underground.

Two weeks ago, I began using Bayer Advanced Natria. I was really hoping to find the Bayer 3 in 1, but I later found out they don't sell that in my state so I began using the Natria instead. Um...that pretty much did nothing. It does kill the bugs on contact, but they keep coming back after about 4 days or so.

In the meantime, my strap leaf Paphs have been the worse affected. The mealybugs don't seem as drawn to the thicker leaf plants like my mottled leafed plants and the Phals. I did have to end up tossing one of the Phals since they had been feeding on the roots, some type of fungus had attacked it and I didn't want whatever it was to spread to my other plants.

So...I went online and ordered some of the 3 in 1. I also got up early yesterday and repotted all my orchids into fresh new media. I soaked the roots and all the foliage in insecticide for a good while before adding the new media. I am determined to not lose what's left of my small collection to these pesky little parasites, but they are certainly giving me a run for my money!

So far, it seems like the mealybugs are winning all the battles, but I would like to think I can still win the war. Any tips you all may have are certainly welcome.

jeremyinsf · #2 09-15-2013, 12:55 PM

Sorry to hear about your struggles.

What are you doing for surfaces and your growing area in general? They can get *anywhere* - on trays, shelves, lips of pots... all that jazz.

And as a Paph grower myself, I can tell you the WORST hiding place I've seen them is in sheaths - both old (with a flower) and new (developing). I thought a plant was fine until I peeled back and saw new ones.

I got some SucraShield from Ray a while back. It's mixed 1oz to a gallon and you can really soak things without having an chemical effect (my experience at least) all over everything. Considering the volume, it's cheap. It can drip down into the sheaths and into the media and wherever else you need. I keep it mixed up in one of these and am very liberal with it:
http://www.calwesttropical.com/index...t-and-spray-2l

I had to be REALLY meticulous but I think I took care of the problem when I considered the above factors.

I hope the best for you!!

james mickelso · #3 09-15-2013, 01:12 PM

Most mealy bug infestations come from the potting mix in new arrivals. Potting them in new media was a good idea. Keeping the orchids too wet is also good for the mealies. Not for your orchids. When you get the Bayer 3-1 put some dishsoap in the mix. About two or three drops per spray bottle. If the 3-1 comes ready to use put in three or four drops. This soap cuts the surface tension of the spray which makes it much more effective. This will help it get down into all the hidden places. Mealies are tough and it will take a couple of applications. Also check for any ants as ants herd mealies like cattle. And very young mealies have been known to hitch a ride on the breezes that come through open windows. They go right through screens. Look around outside and you might find a tree or bush with an infestation. Good luck. As long as the numer of mealies is kept low they won't hurt your orchids too much. They're more of a nuisance. They hide down in the junction of the leaves with the pbulb.

orchidsarefun · #4 09-15-2013, 01:26 PM

well I have a Miltonia in bloom and I found a couple of mealybugs in the blooms. This is almost a YEAR after I thought I got rid of them, and when the plant last bloomed.
I went for systemic insecticide granules and can at least see that the plant is now clear...
I think we have to fight against the life-cycle and systemic is the only way to go.

DweamGoiL · #5 09-15-2013, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

What are you doing for surfaces and your growing area in general? They can get *anywhere* - on trays, shelves, lips of pots... all that jazz.

And as a Paph grower myself, I can tell you the WORST hiding place I've seen them is in sheaths - both old (with a flower) and new (developing). I thought a plant was fine until I peeled back and saw new ones.

I don't have a greenhouse. I grow in the house by a window on a coffee table so I did wipe down the table itself, lip, and underside with Clorox wipes. I soaked all humidity trays in bleach and sprayed those with the insecticide as well. I think for now it should be ok, but I need to start that systemic treatment asap

Thanks for your well wishes. I hope so, too *fingers crossed*

---------- Post added at 01:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:38 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Most mealy bug infestations come from the potting mix in new arrivals. Potting them in new media was a good idea. Keeping the orchids too wet is also good for the mealies. Not for your orchids. When you get the Bayer 3-1 put some dishsoap in the mix. About two or three drops per spray bottle.

It's funny; I read that dry media is what mealys like...you can't win, huh? I will definitely add the dishsoap to the 3 in 1....good idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Also check for any ants as ants herd mealies like cattle.

We usually do get ants in the house in the Summer, but this year, we didn't get any at all, luckily. It's now getting too cold for them so that shouldn't be too much of a problem, but I will definitely look around for other possible sources of mealy reinfestation. Thanks!

---------- Post added at 01:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:49 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I think we have to fight against the life-cycle and systemic is the only way to go.

I agree. I understand why, but was a bit peeved at the 3 in 1 not being sold at any of the retailers in NY. Luckily, there's always the Internet

james mickelso · #6 09-15-2013, 03:22 PM

The wet media is what adult mealies like. The nymphs and eggs like dry media. A good systemic will work wonders. All it takes is one ant carrying one nymph or adult and next thing you know....MEALIES everywhere.