Help Me Create An Invertebrate Wasteland - Orchid Board

AaronM · #1 08-02-2008, 01:19 AM

Hello fellow bug haters.
I recently moved all but two of my orchids outside and was wondering what preventative measures you can suggest to protect my beloved orchids from pests. Most of them are just beginning to recover from a really bad life and don't need any more problems right now.
Let me first point out that am not afraid to wearing a hazmat suit and respirator when applying insecticides and will gladly use any chemical that will destroy bugs utterly while not harming my plants. If you can suggest something that would actually cause the pests to fall to the ground on contact and leave them writhing in agony for hours before they die that would be a great bonus. I would love it if I could hear the nasty little critters screaming. Something like VX Gas for insects would be great.
Again, I'm looking for something strong and effective (and preferably long lasting) to use as a preventative. In other words I want to be the "Chemical Ali" of the orchid world.
Also what is the best snail and slug protection. Use the same parameters as with bugs.

Thanks,

Aaron "The Orchid Whisperer" M

susiep · #2 08-02-2008, 01:49 AM

I use orthene spray to kill bugs and Sluggo for snails

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unhappykat · #3 08-02-2008, 04:02 PM

I use Cory's brand slug and snail pellets around my orchids because when they get wet they spread out over the entire growing area and can catch even the smarest of slugs. As for you other pests I would go with orthene as well or some other systemic product, usually containing MERIT, remember that when using these products they will not kill mites and you will have to keep humidity up in order to fend them off, or just use a miticide to kill them too.

priz_m · #4 08-02-2008, 04:20 PM

I use Orthene too, sliced apple for snails, not sure how much they suffer, but they keep away

AaronM · #5 08-05-2008, 01:05 AM

Apples?! Apples aren't hideously painful and diabolical, they're tangy and delicious. Do you sprinkle salt and/or diatomaceous earth on said apples? That would be most unpleasant. Are apples poisonous to snails like chocolate is to dogs? I can't picture myself laughing maniacally while setting out apple slices.

So, where might one acquire this Orthene that you all seem so keen on? Would it be found in the "tremendously painful pest control" aisle in my local big box store?

Thanks for the advice.

Aaron "The Orchid Whisperer" M

unhappykat · #6 08-05-2008, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronM

Apples?! Apples aren't hideously painful and diabolical, they're tangy and delicious. Do you sprinkle salt and/or diatomaceous earth on said apples? That would be most unpleasant. Are apples poisonous to snails like chocolate is to dogs? I can't picture myself laughing maniacally while setting out apple slices.

So, where might one acquire this Orthene that you all seem so keen on? Would it be found in the "tremendously painful pest control" aisle in my local big box store?

Thanks for the advice.

Aaron "The Orchid Whisperer" M

I would go with OSH or Home Depot for Orthene, or Bayer Advance tree and shrub care, both are systemic and have somewhat equal effects. If possible, you might try a nursery or garden shop locally, small ones usually dont carry it but some of the mid to large ones would. If all else fails ask Dorothy

I am sure she will be able to help.

Swamper · #7 08-05-2008, 07:11 AM

'snail bait' at home depot they love the stuff and die. nowhere near the pleasure you get from hearing them crunching under your shoe but it kills them in huge numbers.
'permetrol' sold at OFE International Web Page in miami. This kills!! no self respecting bug destroyer should go without it. Every type of bug I have ever sprayed with it dies painfully and almost instantly. If you listen closely you will hear them screaming.

Des · #8 08-05-2008, 07:36 AM

I use an insecticide fogger in my GH it puts out a gas that goes into every nook and cranny . It has a half life of 3 hours and you don't have to be present while the fogger is fogging ! My GH always seems to be very quiet after using the fogger
For snails and slugs I use snail pellets and copper strip in strategic places to keep them off my benches. slugs and snails hate crawling over copper. And lastly as an added precaution I drape cotton wool around the base of the flower spikes to keep ants loopers slugs and snails from getting to the buds. I hate to tell you this but you will never get rid of pests ,just when you think you have them licked , they will pop up again and chew on your favorite plant!

AaronM · #9 08-06-2008, 01:04 AM

Ohhh, Swamper, I like the sound of that permetrol stuff.
Thank you all for your advice. This gives me something to work on before I have a problem.

AaronM

Swamper · #10 08-06-2008, 01:19 AM

I thought you might like it.
Des is right however, they will return. Remember your neighbors yard is also full of them.
I posted a thread here once on mealy bugs with the furry white coats. I pretty much have them under control in my yard. Down about 3 blocks away there is a house with a gumbo limbo tree and it is starting to look white from the amount of mealy bugs on them. It looks disgusting.