mealybugs and roots
 

Hi,
I found evidence of mealybugs today in the leaf axis of a catt? (down inbetween the leaves....is that the axis?) Anyway, I looked closer with a magnifying glass and saw 1 large mealybug and quite a bit of white-fuzzy (not sure if there are more bugs there ??). I stabbed the one I saw with the point of a skewer, removed and dabbed him with alcohol. I also tried to get a q-tip with alcohol down inbetween the leaves, but I'm not sure if I was able to remove much or all of the fuzzy. I plan to unpot and repot with fresh medium then spray with something tomorrow, but I'm not sure what is best to use (suggestions, please??). My main concern as I've been thinking about treating the problem is the roots. I've never found mealies on my orchids before, so I'm not sure how to deal with spraying the plant. I understand that mealybugs hide all over.....under leaves, nooks and crannies, under pots, travel on benches, etc. Is it safe to spray the roots with something (alcohol and dishwashing liquid, for example?) The plant has many healthy roots and I don't want to harm them? I would apppreciate any advice as to how I should treat the problem correctly? Oh, one more thing....should I spray my plant with water, or not, after I spray a treatment on them?
Thanks,
Vicki

Here is a pretty good article on mealybugs.
Mealybugs on Orchids
Joann

Zoi2
 

Thank you for the link, Joann! The article is interesting and seems to be very thorough.

Have you personally had a mealybug infestation in the past? If so, I would appreciate knowing which method of treatment you used, if you don't mind, and your success, of course. If not, I hope you never have the problem. I'm always grateful for any advice that a member has to offer from their experience(s). I've only been growing orchids less than 2 yrs., so there is MUCH that I do not know about them.

I hope to hear from other board members concerning their experiences, also.
Thank you again,
Vicki

I purchased a plant with mealybugs about a year or so ago. The infestation wasn't that bad and it was summer, so I kept it outside on the side porch away from everything else and sprayed it with alcohol. I left it outside for about two months just to make sure all pests had gone and haven't had a problem since.
Joann

Zoi2
 

Thanks for replying, Joann. I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any more problems since you treated the infestation that you had. Mine isn't bad, either, so maybe I'll be as lucky as you were. ?? (I hope)
Vicki