Mealybug cotton or mite webbing? Please help in pest ID

[Dollythehun]

Be sure you read the ingredient label, as some formulas have changed. Also, in your future posts, tell us all the circumstances. You did wipe the leaves, etc. As Roberta said, the bath tub works great. Don't stress over the soft surfaces.

[ZoeO]

Thanks for all the tips Dollythehun and Roberta. Yes, sorry I wasn't more detailed. I will be getting the Bayer 3 in 1 and doing a lot of spraying outside tomorrow. I might have more than one pest at issue so I think the systemic is the way to go.

[ZoeO]

So the Bayer (now BioAdvanced) 3 in 1 that I see on the shelves no longer contains imidacloprid. I did however see a ready to spray formulation online that did show it still listed as an ingredient but I haven't received that yet so I won't be sure until that comes in. I have a feeling that they may not have updated the photos online and I'm guessing the spray will not have that ingredient as well. Will the Bayer 3 and 1 still be as effective without it? Wondering if anyone has tried the new formulation and found it still to be a good option?

[Dollythehun]

I can't answer that. This is why I asked you to read the label. I'm no longer able to find that ingredient locally either. However, I was able to find it in a hose end applicator, which you'd have to take outside to apply.

I have also used Azamax. It is a organically approved growth regulator. It also prevents feeding.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I can't answer that. This is why I asked you to read the label. I'm no longer able to find that ingredient locally either. However, I was able to find it in a hose end applicator, which you'd have to take outside to apply.

I have also used Azamax. It is a organically approved growth regulator. It also prevents feeding.

Whoa, I wonder when they changed the formula. When neonicotinoid pesticides started getting bad publicity (they are really bad for honeybees!) I stockpiled some Bayer's... think my timing was good. That being said, these things should be applied surgically... only on plants with pests, not as prophylactics, and not all over the garden. (Honeybees don't go for orchids... you want to keep the stuff off other plants, where they might go) No idea of the efficacy of the substitutes.

[Dollythehun]

Granted, Roberta. But Bayer doesn't know we're using it on orchids.

[ZoeO]

Yes I saw an article that might explain why Bayer removed the imidacloprid: Bayer revises position to propose extra protections for bees from pesticides | Environment | The Guardian

Using a systemic is definitely a last resort for me. And I'm very conflicted about using it but alternatively I might lose all my orchids if I don't do something more than the homemade solutions. I explained the situation to a very experienced orchid grower and he suggested I do the systemic on all of my plants. I also talked to the local orchid greenhouse where I bought many of my orchids and they told me that they apply a systemic every 90 days to everything. I don't know if I'm making a big assumption but I'm thinking it's pretty likely that a number of the orchid growers must be using some type of pesticide on a regular basis? Or maybe some use biological control?

It seems to be escalating. First the one with the mealy that I was able to return, but then these mysterious webs and the springtails that are in all the plants.

Well, I suppose I will be the first test case and I will gladly share an update on how it goes with the new Bayer (BioAdvanced) formula. It's so windy here today I think I will only be able to pour it into the pots as a "soil drench" and then try to do the second application as a complete cover of the plant. I have so many in bloom though it's kinda sad...Thanks for all the advice.

[Dollythehun]

Hot soapy water drench for springtails.

[ZoeO]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Hot soapy water drench for springtails.

Yes that's all that I was doing for the springtails (well the alcohol/oil/soap mix) until I saw the webbing and then thought I might have a bigger problem. (I know that some don't consider springtails a pest - but I didn't want the pots to get overrun with them either). I am due to repot basically all of my orchids but I can't get to that until next week. Uggghhh...

[Dollythehun]

Strive for excellence, not perfection.