mealy bugs - Orchid Board

luba · #1 02-11-2007, 05:07 PM

Hello everyone
I'm brand new here, and just found this site and I'm soooooooo excited.
I have been growing orchids for about 5 years now, never had mealy bugs until I brought one home from a plant I had purchased. I have a greenhouse with about 100 plants, and it has spread to a few plants.
HOW DO I GET RID OF IT!
It has to be the worst.
thanks
Luba

Lindafvb · #2 02-11-2007, 06:04 PM

Dear Luba,
I feel your pain, those critters are hard to get rid of. I am relatively new to orchids but I did have them on one plant. Don't know how many of your plants have been infected but I took a q-tip dipped in 70% alcohol and wiped the mealy away. I had to repeat this weekly but after a month I did not see them again. I also spray all my plants with Neem Oil. This is a great forum, I am sure someone who has more experience will help you out, especially since you may want to treat your whole greenhouse. You may want to hit the "search" button and see what has been discussed before.
Goodluck

Tindomul · #3 02-11-2007, 07:23 PM

Welcome to the board, I also would suggest spraying with neem oil, but keep them out of direct sunlight during treatment.

cb977 · #4 02-13-2007, 05:32 PM

Hi luba...nice to have you here with us

Linda and Tindo have given you some great advice

It's very important to make sure you wipe away the mealy bug. It needs to be fully removed, not just treated.

smartie2000 · #5 02-13-2007, 06:17 PM

Welcome. I also had a mealy bugs that came with a paph maudiar order. Annoying critters that can do damage

Anyways I did the alcohol wipes and I found that it is very temporary since they keep coming back. Next week I'm going to spray all my plants with something