S.O.Scales !!!!! I need some help !!!

[Roly0217]

I've been fighting this nasty pest for about 2 months and I don't seem to be getting anywhere !!!! I've been using Bayer's Tree and Shrub once a week and still nothing. Is there anything else that could help me get rid of them ??? Thank you very much !!!!

[littlefrog]

Go out and buy yourself some Enstar II.

And, if you are using that much of the Bayer stuff, you will get seriously deformed flowers. Or at least I do when I use it. I try not to. I'd wager good money that your scale are resistant to imidocloprid at this point. I'd switch to something else. Orthene is good (and cheap).

You could invest in some predatory insects, they work well but take a while. I'm using more and more insects, it isn't that much more expensive and the pests don't develop resistance. I've had good luck with these guys Organic Pest Control, Biological Solutions for Pest Management, Rincon Vitova Insectaries

[Lorraine]

Hi Roly,

What are the scales on?? and how bad?

[Roly0217]

The scales are on the cattleyas. It's just a few that I've spotted them on but they don't seem to go away. I'll try Orthene and also where can I get the Enstar II ???

[cb977]

50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and 409 cleaner in a spray bottle

Spray the scale and it will easily wipe off or you can rinse it off making sure you don't allow water to sit in the crown.

Works like magic

[Becky15349]

Nice sue!! Way to kill those buggers!!!

[Roly0217]

Thank you Sue !!! Can I spray everyone with this solution ??? At this point I want to make sure that they are gone for good !!!! Vandas, Phals, Catts, everyone would get sprayed !!!!

[cb977]

If you spray and then wipe each one down or at least rinse them off, it would be fine. The alcohol should not sit and stay on the leaves for long, especially in our heat and sunshine down here

[Roly0217]

How long should I leave the spray on before I rinse ???

[cb977]

It works instantly! Spray and POOF! Gone!

The alcohol breaks through the shell of the scale and the 409 smothers the little bugger

Try a little experiment:

try to wipe away just one scale with your finger and see what happens...it's not going to move

Now, spray the little (&*%*^ and then wipe... Where'd it go?