Cubicle neighbor has mealybugs, is my Phal at risk?

[BcBerri]

We discovered this morning that the bromeliad that resides in the cubicle next to me has a mealybug infestation. Since my Phal is not actually next to it, is it at risk? What measures can I take to prevent mine from getting them? I'm a little panicked. Stinkin' bugs!

[My Green Pets]

Your Phal is sure to get mealies if they are even in the same room. The bromeliad must be treated or removed, and to be honest I would begin treating your Phal as well, as there could already be eggs laid on your plant. The male mealybugs are tiny flying insects, and they will find your plant, sooner or later. Take action now!

[BcBerri]

Well that would explain what one person on the floor called a "fruit gnat" earlier this week. Boooo! Is it better to treat by spraying alcohol or with a true insecticide? My phal is currently in bloom so I want to try to be as gentle, but still effective.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Use Bayer Advanced Rose & Flower; available in most big-box home improvement stores, blue spray bottle. The active ingredient, imidacloprid, is very effective and has low toxicity for people and other mammals. The same active ingredient is used in the common cat & dog flea control medication Advantage (but Advantage is at thousands of times higher concentration).

To be extra safe, take you plant outdoors to spray & then bring back indoors.

Offer to share your Bayer R&F with the bromeliad office mate. If your friend won't treat their plant, you should probably take yours home.

[My Green Pets]

The mealies will go for the flowers first. Just be vigilant and look over them every day. Have a Q-tip soaked in alcohol armed and ready

[BcBerri]

Thank you guys so much! Oh the neighbor is getting deloused no matter what. I will just do it after she leaves in the afternoon if need be! LOL The poor bromeliad is just covered in the fuzzy white buggers now that I look closer.

[Cntry]

Originally Posted by BcBerri

Thank you guys so much! Oh the neighbor is getting deloused no matter what. I will just do it after she leaves in the afternoon if need be! LOL The poor bromeliad is just covered in the fuzzy white buggers now that I look closer.

I would also treat any plants in the whole office after everyone leaves for the evening. That way it should take care of everything in the room.

[BcBerri]

Thankfully (but sadly) no one else in the office likes having plants around so it's just her and I. Bless her heart, when I pointed out the little buggers she started apologizing profusely about it. She loves my orchids and feels awful. I knew y'all would have a game plan!


BcBerri