Help getting rid of mealybugs without hurting birds

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by marcmaubert

That sucks, but I have almost nothing in flower this time of the year, so hopefully they won't be around to get killed by me.

During the warm months, I grow my orchids outside. I can't recall ever seeing bees visit my orchids, though bees regularly visit clover, sunflowers, etc in other parts of my yard.

Mealybugs are sucking insects, so systemic insecticides (like Confidor) generally will work best. Bifenthrin is non-systemic, but could have some effect (keep far away from aquatic life). I have never heard of using potassium hydroxide as an insecticide.

[Lucille]

Originally Posted by marcmaubert

I'll try systemics and evaluate the results.

You might check out Dominion on Amazon, the quart container is reasonably priced and lasts quite a while.

[orchidsarefun]

I use safer soap. My plants are indoors and.....it's safer.
I have never had issues when my plants are outdoors as I'm sure that the environment/wasps/other predators control them. I'm surprised that you do but I am sure that predators will eventually catch up in the neighborhood.

How to Get Rid of Mealybugs | Planet Natural