This Round Goes to the Mealybugs :(

[Ray]

Malathion is a topical killer only, so you would need to make sure you have it come in contact with all of the bugs, and it only works on adults.

I have had the best effect when combining a systemic insecticide - Orthene or Merit - combined with an insect growth regulator like Enstar. Even then, the key is to be thorough and repeat the treatments regularly. I find that three, weekly applications usually works, but I have occasionally done them more frequently, still spanning that same three weeks.


Ray Barkalow
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[SJF]

Originally Posted by Ray

Malathion is a topical killer only, so you would need to make sure you have it come in contact with all of the bugs, and it only works on adults.

I have had the best effect when combining a systemic insecticide - Orthene or Merit - combined with an insect growth regulator like Enstar. Even then, the key is to be thorough and repeat the treatments regularly. I find that three, weekly applications usually works, but I have occasionally done them more frequently, still spanning that same three weeks.


Ray Barkalow
Sent using Tapatalk

Ray,
Have you ever considered retailing Enstar?
~SJF

[DweamGoiL]

Originally Posted by Eskevingo

I think the right amount of circulation will keep most ailments at bay.

I don't think air circulation is the problem in this case. I have a dedicated rotating fan for them. I guess I can always amp up the air just to cover my bases. Better safe than sorry. I found when I had the air on regular mode vs breeze mode, the media was drying up way too fast; like in an hour or two, but I will play around with the settings some more and see.

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by DweamGoiL

I don't think air circulation is the problem in this case. I have a dedicated rotating fan for them. I guess I can always amp up the air just to cover my bases. Better safe than sorry. I found when I had the air on regular mode vs breeze mode, the media was drying up way too fast; like in an hour or two, but I will play around with the settings some more and see.

My take is that air helps with many, many things - but mealy is not one of them. In fact, I've seen the breeze take the little critters (or their larva or whatever) onto other plants and been able to 'see' the direction of the wind from it. Not fun. Having said that, air is still wonderful and the good outweighs the bad, I just don't think there is a *direct* help with mealy (other than the media might not stay wet so long).

[Ray]

Originally Posted by SJF

Ray,
Have you ever considered retailing Enstar?
~SJF

Too expensive. Retails for $140/quart, and without an EPA permit, it is illegal to break it down into smaller amounts to sell..

[DweamGoiL]

Wowza!!! Yeah, I would not be buying Enstar for sure

[Vanda lover]

The spray I have been using is a combination of Rhubarb leaves, dish soap and alcohol. It works better than any other home made spray I have tried. Just cover the rhubarb leaves with water, bring to a boil then simmer for a while. once it is cool, strain it and add a few drops of soap and a tsp. or so of alcohol. I have frozen me extra rhubarb spray, but it does seem to keep fairly well.

[Island Girl]

So, what is a good systemic insecticide that works with orchid media? I've heard of ppl trying the Bonide granules, but they said it didn't work very well, because it was made for soil - with houseplants... If so, what would you recommend Ray, or anyone else? Is anything with imacloprid (sp?) in it going to be systemic, or does it have to say "systemic"? Thanks in advance

[SJF]

Originally Posted by Ray

Too expensive. Retails for $140/quart, and without an EPA permit, it is illegal to break it down into smaller amounts to sell..

, oh my, I can understand why you wouldn't

[DweamGoiL]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

So, what is a good systemic insecticide that works with orchid media? I've heard of ppl trying the Bonide granules, but they said it didn't work very well, because it was made for soil - with houseplants... If so, what would you recommend Ray, or anyone else? Is anything with imacloprid (sp?) in it going to be systemic, or does it have to say "systemic"? Thanks in advance

I have seen Merit kicked around here a lot, and yes, the label does say it is a systemic insecticide.