Hello everyone
 

I have been growing orchids for 15 years. I have done alot of breeding with Phals. but I love Catleyas and complex paphs. For the last 10 years I have been waging a war with mealy bugs and scale. This has severly impacted my ability to grow well. I used to spend half my time killing bugs. I'm starting to get a handle on this problem with a little help from Bayer's shrub and tree insecticide. Its a sythetic nicotine that is systemic. I believe the trade name for the compound is Merit. Anyone have experience with this?

Hello and welcome to Orchidboard :clap:

I haven't tried Merit but I do keep a bottle of Bayer's 3-in-1 available for those times I happen to see a little bugger :(

Where are you located? After growing 'chids for 15 years, you must have an impressive collection...we'd love to see some pictures :)

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask :)

Welcome to the board. Like Susanne, I too keep a bottle of 3 in 1 around.

Thanks for the welcome
 

:D Just a little about myself. I'm a 63 year young scientist who has completely filled his basement and alot more with orchids. I'll try to get together some photos. Lord knows I have plenty. I live in Ellicott City Maryland and am a member of the National Capitol Orchid Society. I learned much of what I know from fellow orchid growers. I have to give a lot of credit to my hobby success to my mentor and friend Merit Huntington. I do miss him and Kensington orchids alot. I'm new to this form of communication so please bear with my naivety.
Anyone going to the Parside orchid Fest?

Thanks for sharing that. We do have some folks your age (me for one) on the board and we all are learning in one way or another. I'd love to see how you grow your 'chids in the basement as that's my only space I have left!