Need some suggestions for mealy bugs

[Mugsie]

I love in eastern Pennsylvania, so my outdoor season is maybe 5-6 months, then everything is brought back inside into a sun room. I have two fans running constantly as well as two humidifiers since the relative humidity is always in the mid to low 30s.

After first bringing the plants inside, all is well. They are sprayed with 3 in 1 while outside and all pots have a granular instructions added to them.

About this time of year, Jan / Feb, I begin to see a resurgence of mealies. I use a Q-tim in alcohol, and an insecticidal spray, but it's always a struggle to get the plants through the winter and back outside again, where natural predators take care of the issue.

One problem I know is the close proximity of the plants since I don't have a lot of room (new plants keep mysteriously appearing &#129315.

Those of you with similar conditions, what do you recommend? I would love to finally win this mealy battle.

Thanks all ...

[Ray]

The problem was likely an incomplete treatment last autumn, unless they are hitchhikers with a new plant.

Since you're dealing with an indoor treatment scenario, I recommend Using the BioAdvanced 3-in-1 stuff, Azamax, or Organishield,

Spray every plant, wetting all surfaces until dripping AND thoroughly drench the potting media. Repeat that two more times at one-week intervals.

Most insecticides only kill adults, so the repeated treatments are a way to kill newly maturing bugs before they can reproduce.

[Mugsie]

Thanks Ray. If we get a relatively warm day here, I'll bring them outside two or three at a time and drench them completely. I must admit, those mealies certainly are worthy opponents.

[estación seca]

Mealy bugs crawl far away from the plants and lay eggs that may survive two years. It is very hard to get them all. It takes persistence.

[orkkid]

BioAdvanced 3-in-1 is my go to... spray it all over in every cranny of my Phals, using heavy mist setting all over top & bottom of leaves. Follow up with tight spray into small gaps between leaves etc... seems to be working. I don't wipe off residue, but I 'wiggle' off excess and turn the fan up.

When I really want to purge, I use 70% Iso rubbing alcohol and splash it all over. I try to wipe that off pretty quickly though.

[Subrosa]

I would place the plants in the bathtub for treatment. Easier cleanup afterwards.

[realoldbeachbum]

Azamax is wonderful for mealybugs. I use it on orchids & other houseplants. Spray leaves & then drench. Two treatments about a week apart and they are gone. ROBB