Mealybugs!!!

[JennS]

I have a orchid that keeps getting infested with mealybugs. It is some type of cattleya (a minature) and I am getting very frustrated. I usually treat with alcohol swabbed cotton balls, but these mealys just keep coming back. Any suggestions? I've also heard that they live in soil so could they be living in the bark?

On a side note, what medium to cattleyas like best? My other one is in bark and seems pretty happy. Not sure why this one just hates me!

Does anyone ever use Malathion? I have only used it on orchids once when I had a severe spider mite infestation. It worked great, but I was wondering if it would hurt the roots if I gave them a spray if repotting is needed. Thanks. I can post pics of the plant too if that helps. It is looking pretty miserable..