mealies - Page 2 - Orchid Board

princessbydezine · #11 05-30-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrixhamChris

Dunno if I can mention the product name on here so to err on the side of caution I wont. As I'm a newbie I don't want to break any rules.

YOU CAN! Please let me know, I need some of this suff I am still finding them, not a whole lot just one or two at a time.

Thanks

Gin · #12 05-30-2008, 09:03 PM

I don't know what you can get there , Bayer makes one it says systemic on the label . also Bayer Tree an shrub 1 teaspoon per gal . most have to be used once a week for 3 weeks to kill the new ones that hatch . I use Orthene WP teaspoon to a gallon , Gin

kiki-do · #13 05-30-2008, 09:26 PM

I have found that using commercial sprays that kill mealy bugs, scale, etc. causes my chids to become very stunted in their growing cycle for up to a full year. I prefer taking them off using alcohol on a Q-tip for individual mealy bugs that I spot....and I have a spray of alcohol slightly diluted with water to spray around the stems and leaves. I have found them on phals and they tuck themselves nicely into and between the pedals and under the lip and every nook and cranny there is in the flower part. I just isolate the plant and check it every few days.... swab any critters I find until I no longer see any signs of them. Once the blooming is gone by, I cut the stem and repot...spraying the roots and leaves with the diluted alcohol spray or physan.
After going through the stunted growth thing last year, I now only use the commercial spray (one that was mentioned safe to use from folks here on OB and by my orchid society folks) when I suspect scale. Scale worries me more than mealybugs. So far, so good! By the way, the commercial spray I use is Garden Safe Houseplant and Garden Insect Spray.

princessbydezine · #14 05-30-2008, 11:26 PM

Alright Thanks... I have been picking them off one by one when I see them then wiping the leaves with alcohol... so far I have only found about 8 so I am hoping it doesn't get any worse. I did buy Garden Safe Houseplant and Garden Insect Spray, but I wasn't sure and called the number on the back and the guy was like just try it and you will know if its safe... and if it wasn't then I would have a dead plant right??

Good to know it is safe if I need it.

Thanks SOOOOO much!

Gin · #15 05-30-2008, 11:41 PM

I have never had stunting of my plants as a result from using commercial sprays .. gin

Pippin · #16 05-31-2008, 03:39 AM

I always use the heavy artillery for this kind of problem. My first choice is "Merit 75 WP"-(Imidacloprid) (no smell), second choice "Orthene WP"-(Acephate) (it stinks to high heaven), third "Sevin"-(Carbaryl) (not a systemic)

Des · #17 05-31-2008, 04:54 AM

These days I tend to get cold shivers of horror when hear folks talking of using systemic and contact poisons and I can only hope that you guys are taking the very necessary precautions as you can very easily end up being poisoned your self. Poisons can be absorbed through the skin and the fine mist given off by your sprayer is breathed in to the lungs . Some of these poisons accumulate in the body over time and can end up damaging organs like your kidneys etc . Am I trying to scare you ? Most definitely, be very careful folks !!!

Ray · #18 05-31-2008, 08:08 AM

I agree with Pippin on the chemicals of choice, especially the Merit and Orthene.

I also will add a recommendation for insect growth regulators - I use Enstar II. While an insecticide will kill whatever it comes in contact with, or in the case of systemics, bite the plant the first few days after treatment, they typically only affect adult insects, leaving the eggs, pupae, and larvae to mature and continue the damage. An IGR, on the other hand, prevents all stages of the insect from maturing, and if they do not mature, they cannot reproduce.

It is also important to treat thoroughly. Wet the ENTIRE surface of the plant, and soak the medium when you treat, and repeat the process in accordance with the label of the product used. I find that three treatments, a week apart, seems to be effective with the chemicals I have mentioned.

Then, if you find that you must treat again some time later, use an insecticide that has a different killing mode. Here is a scan of a publication showing those, the products, and their applicability to specific bugs: http://www.firstrays.com/PDF/Insecticides.pdf

Gin · #19 05-31-2008, 10:17 AM

Thanks Ray I saved a copy , not had a bug problem in a long time but years ago before computers in the home with all the info. and no books that were any good (yeah the dark ages ) I had mealies wreck my big Cymbidiums could not get rid of them was time for them to go in the green house , ended up throwing them out . Take no prisioners ! Gin

BrixhamChris · #20 05-31-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princessbydezine

YOU CAN! Please let me know, I need some of this suff I am still finding them, not a whole lot just one or two at a time.

Thanks

Right then, I don't know if this product name is global or just the one they use in the UK but here it is called Baby Bio. The company name is Bayer. The web addy on the bottle is: Bayer Garden : Lawn Care, Weed Control, Garden Fertiliser, Pest Control, Killers, Repellents and more..
Could be worth a look - fingers crossed I'm mealy bug free!!