I despise mealybugs!!!!!!!!!

[Randy]

GRR! AARRRGGGHHHHH!!!

I just found that one of my orchid, that has been sitting in the midst of my plants for several weeks has mealies. They are such a PITA to get rid off completely and now I have to spray every single pant that is sitting on that table and take care to keep this away from my dogs.

I just have to resign myself to the fact that I've got an invasion on my hands and deal with it. I just can't stand the little buggers! Everything I have that is out being babysat will have to be sprayed thoroughly before being returned to the collection. That will be the price of having to board them out.

No need to be playing the at me. I'm doing it for myself, thanks.

Randy

[Ross]

Me two. And I had no mealies till my shipment from New World Orchids. Didn't want to bad mouth them, but the hitch hikers are doing the bad-mouthing!

[kavanaru]

just curious... but how do you combat them? Have never had them at my plants...

[Ross]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

just curious... but how do you combat them? Have never had them at my plants...

Pretty easy to cure if you spray at least three times weekly. Whatever garden/house spray you can get locally will work as will several eco-friendly mixes like soap, etc.

[charmbutterfly]

If you spray with 70% alcohol a couple times a week you can watch them disintegrate before your eyes!!

Muahahahhahahhahaaa

[Orchidophile]

Yep I use alcohol too, if you get close enough you can hear them sizzle not really

[OrchidTess]

I've been battling them also. I was using Safer House and Garden spray....it helped. They were still showing up so I tried Neem oil....haven't see any since.....knock on wood.

[razka3]

I just squish them with a little screwdriver... but I've never had a huge infestation... just a few dozen on a couple plants from an order.

What exactly do they do? I have yet to see any kind of damage from them, they just seem to sit there and sleep all the time.... nestled in a little corner.

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by charmbutterfly

If you spray with 70% alcohol a couple times a week you can watch them disintegrate before your eyes!!

Originally Posted by Orchidophile

Yep I use alcohol too, if you get close enough you can hear them sizzle not really

guys, are you sure you were killing Mealybugs and not the Wicked Witch of the West: I'm melting! I'm melting!

[Gin]

They lay eggs while chilling out that is the problem miss one or an egg and they are back, plus they suck the life out of the plant .
Systemics (if you can use them, rock ) weekly for 3 weeks , tops sprayed with Safers to kill what is on the leaves , takes awhile for the systemics to get into the plant system ..I hate them .. Take no prisioners ! Gin