Need Advice For Getting Rid Of Scale!!!

[Wynn Dee13]

Hello- I have a scale issue. The plants don't have a lot of scale but I haven't been able to keep it under control with just rubbing alcohol. And it is very time consuming. I need the easiest way possible to get rid of the scale. I want to use something stronger and something that is safe to drench the pots with. I grow almost all my orchids in sphagnum moss in clay pots. I was wondering if it matters what medium you use to drench the pots? It seems to me that the moss would soak up the pesticide more than bark and I'm not sure if that is okay. I have read in other posts that Malathion is good to use but I was wondering if anyone has used it on plants potted in sphag.

I also would rather not repot all of the plants. Some I can because they need a repot anyway but some I just repotted earlier this year and I don't want to disturb them again. I grow mostly Cattleya Alliance orchids and they are the ones with the scale.

Thanks everyone!

[Leafmite]

Use a systemic. They stay in the plant for some time and get rid of sucking insects in a proficient manner. Just be careful to read all the cautions. I use a granular type for my roses, plumeria, hibiscus, and any other plant that doesn't produce edible fruit or leaves. It takes a few weeks for the granular one to take effect but then it lasts for six weeks.
If by any chance the systemic doesn't work, Sevin will. We spray this for difficult to kill Japanese beetles, about once every three years. The spray is amazingly effective but should always be used outside and where people and pets won't be exposed to this. There is a powder form
but I am not certain how effective it is in comparison.
Be careful when using any insecticides. Try not to breathe them in or get them on you. Some of them can cause eye-damage. We wear goggles and a breathing mask when spraying the fruit trees and roses, then shower and rinse, then wash the clothes.

[Wynn Dee13]

Thanks Leafmite! What systemic granular brand do you use? I have a severe lung disease so a granular form would be best for me than a spray. Thanks again!

[billc]

I have a blc in coconut husks (CHC) that I had a scale issue with. I wound up using malathion to eradicate the pesky critters. I flushed the pots real good with rain water, applied the malathion with a spray bottle(do it outdoors) and then gave the pots a 30 second dip. after about 10 minutes I then flushed the pots several times with rain water because like you I was concerned with what it do to the roots. This was back in early July and the scale is gone(so far) and the plants seem just fine. It did take several days for the smell of the malathion to go away as my better half pointed out quite a few times.
Hope this helps even though it's not moss.

Bill

[Wynn Dee13]

Thanks Bill! Where did you find the Malathion?

[Leafmite]

I use bayer 3 in 1 rose systemic. I have roses so it is always on hand. They also have the ortho brand, probably the same.

[Wynn Dee13]

Thanks Leafmite. Does the Bayer have a fertilizer in it?

[Leafmite]

I agree, Malathion should only be used outside and always read all the directions before using. I have found this available in the past where I have gotten fruit trees.
I use alcohol and the granular systemic for my house plants. Wayne Roberts of Roberts Flower Supply is trying to find safe and effective pest control methods. I plan to ask him for a better way.

[Leafmite]

Yes, it does.

[Wynn Dee13]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Yes, it does.

Have you ever used it on your orchids or just your other house plants?