Scale on orchids

[Jillygirl]

Hello,

I have been battling scale on a few orchids. I've tried the alcohol method, insecticidal soap, and Bonide granules with some results, but just can't seem to get rid of these horrible pests. I am wondering if Bonide Systemic Insect Control or Bio Advanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Care, will work on orchids. Has anyone had success getting rid of scale with either of these products? The instructions on the Bio Advanced say it's not to be used on potted plants. I'm thinking that may apply to plants that are inside a home. My orchids are outside on my lanai, yet I'm hesitate to use it due to the "do not use on potted plants" statement.

I've read that Safari is very good, expensive though. If it works, I'm willing to invest the money to get rid of the scale. Also, I've done some research into an IGR, insect growth regulator, but am not sure. Has anyone used either of these products?

Thanks.

[estación seca]

You have scale everywhere in your environment. I would use the biological products like growth regulators to control scale, recognizing it will be impossible to eliminate. Neem and other oils clog plant pores if used frequently so I wouldn't use those except perhaps once, with a heavy infestation.

[Roberta]

I have had some good results sprinkling a small amount of Safari granules in Cattleya pots. They dissolve slowly, get absorbed by the plant, and most of the time it's one and done. Occasionally I need to repeat in 6 months with a bad infestation, but only rarely. It's sort of an "off-label" application... don't sue me. But it works.

One of the other systemic products can also be useful. I haven't used the Bonide, I'm still working through a stash of Bayer's Advanced 3-in-1 which does work pretty well, no experience with the new product.

[Jillygirl]

Thank you!

[thefish1337]

Azamax worked really well for me. I had a pretty badly infested C. mossiae and 4 applications 5 days apart did them in. I treated the whole collection simultaneously and sprayed the growing area down with soap. I haven't had a major infestation since.

[Jillygirl]

Thanks so much.

[Leafmite]

When using any method, make certain you treat on whatever schedule is recommended and, even after you do not see any more scale, give it at least one more treatment. Be certain to treat every plant in your home, too, even if you do not see scale on them. Not getting all of them when using a pesticide can lead to resistance. Good luck and hope that you get rid of them!

[Jillygirl]

Thank you!

[estación seca]

I'd like to reinforce the idea that there are scale insects in the landscape everywhere around you. You will have scale on your orchids again. It's important to keep inspecting them.

[Jillygirl]

Yes, I agree...I will keep checking for sure. They are in a covered lanai and I think it was a plant that I brought in and unfortunately I didn't know it was scale. I've learned a lot about scale now though.