Systemic for Brown Scale?

[ronaldhanko]

Is there a good systemic insecticide for orchids that will take care of brown scale? I have a persistent problem with it.

[silken]

I believe Merit works. I'm not sure which scale I have had but it seems the only thing that works. I think the Bayer systemic found in the U.S. has the same chemical which is imadacloprid (I'm sure I spelt that wrong), so it would work as well.

[ronaldhanko]

Thanks, my friend.

[silken]

No problem! Good luck with the scale. I think that and spider mites are the thing I hate most in orchid pests. One thing to note, it is NOT a miticide.

[ronaldhanko]

With the air movement and humidity I have, I've never had to deal with mites, but the scale is a persistent problem.

[31drew31]

I have seen the Bayer rose and flower insect killer recommended for Nepenthes many times on the carnivorous plant forum. Should also be safe for orchids. Never used it myself being in Canada though. I would test on one or two of your less expensive orchids first though.

[tucker85]

I've never used a systemic for scale. I use a soft bristle tooth brush and Safers Insecticide Soap. If you want to use a systemic, Orthene is a good one. It sure smells bad though.

[ronaldhanko]

Thanks! I'll do that.

[msaar]

The Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub (and also the Rose & Flower) contain Merit. Neither are listed for orchids, but I had great scale control with the granules (also available as a spray). I have used approx. 1 Tbsp/6" pot of granules top-dressed. It gives about 1 year control. The granules also contain a time-release fertilizer(negligible - 1-2-1 or so). I use the Tree & Shrub because it has a higher insecticide concentration than the Rose & Flower. My (white) scale problems have gone away.

[Wynn Dee13]

Hi Ron- I'm having a scale problem too. I got a systemic granular product by the brand Bonide. The main ingredient is Imidacloprid, the same as Merit and Bayer 3 in 1 and other Bayer products. It is called Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control.
I didn't want the spray because I have a lung disease and so I thought the granules would be better for me. I also didn't want the fertilizer in the product like the Bayer 3 in 1 has. I read on another old thread that others have used the Bayer 3 in 1 granules and had bad results because the roots has really bad root burn on all the plants. They thought it was the fertilizer in the product and not the actual pesticide.
I will let you know how the Bonide works. I am going to try it on a few plants first before I use it on all the plants with scale. Lucky for me none of my plants have a bad infestation. Let me know what you end up using and then maybe we can compare notes on how the products work. Good luck!