Use of Sacrificial Trees for Early Detection and Control of Mealy Bugs

[AussieVanda]

Here’s my disclaimer!!!! – It works for me in my area but it may be of no use to you. Also, I grow outdoors so my method may need some adaption to suit green house or indoors.

My inspiration – Grape growers using rose bushes at the end of each row, to give early detection of disease and certain infestations; and my knowledge that in my area, mealy bugs love hibiscus.

My method – My orchid collection is grown in between el-cheapo hibiscus trees, with hibiscus at a distance of about 8 metres either side of the orchids. The mealy bugs nearly always go for the hibiscus first, I then go hard core with the spray and mealy bugs are pretty much decimated leaving my orchids alone.

I went a large spacing as I didn’t necessarily want to attract the mealy to the orchids but I still needed the hibiscus close enough to be a distraction away from them.

Does it work? - Of course it does otherwise I wouldn’t be posting. Mealy bugs before the hibiscus was reasonably frequent. After the hibiscus, nearly zero attacks. Again, refer to my disclaimer.

The Challenge - Maybe there are other trees or bushes in your respective areas that can be used in a similar fashion for early detection and control of diseases/pests?

[Leafmite]

Yes, I have noticed that some of my houseplants are favorites of the various pests. Everything loves the cinnamon tree--everything! I think I have finally gotten rid of the mealies, though.

[kindrag23]

@LEAFMITE, Cinnamon Tree?? You must explain this awesomeness!

Second white flies,aphids,spider mites all love one specific Hibiscus I have and my danged Gardenia bush. and thus far the only thing to come after my chids are stupid grasshoppers and dirt dobbers....If you figure out something to keep them off of my chids I would be forever grateful.

[Leafmite]

Logees! They sell all sorts of crazy things.

[kindrag23]

Is that their website name?

[Leafmite]

If you google logees, a vendor of plants in Danielson (?) Conn. should pop up.

[kindrag23]

Cool!

[Leafmite]

They have been in business a long time and are a real brick and morter establishment. Their prices are reasonable for what you get, they often have special deals, and you can find uncommon plants. They always send healthy plants that are ready to grow. However, many of their plants take some research to grow (their growing guide is a good place to start).

[nikkik]

Very smart method!! Thanks for posting!

[Paul]

Originally Posted by kindrag23

... and thus far the only thing to come after my chids are stupid grasshoppers and dirt dobbers....

I assume "dirt dobbers" refers to the family of mud dauber wasps? What's the issue there? They are beneficial insects that will not harm the chids and are very unlikely to sting.