Is there such thing as a safe systemic insecticide for mealybugs?
 

I have a moderate to bad infestation of mealybugs on all my phals, my fault for not identifying them sooner. So far, I've been using alcohol and Safer Soap, it's working but they keep returning.

I'd like to stay away from strong insecticides such as imidicloprid after inadvertantly killing my local bees from using it outdoors last year. Is there something that can effectively control my mealybug problem?

EDIT: I just remembered something I read in another thread - how high does the temperature have to be kill mealybugs? Has anyone tried controlling them using natural or artificial heat?

My personal pest control option is dry ice.

I either box or bag them. And fill a dish with water and dry ice. Then I close it.
The co2 kills the bugs, and the plants love it. The humidity is nice too...

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That's a great idea, how long do you keep them in there?

Overnight.
I do it right before bed.

It might take multiple treatments. It doesn't get the eggs.

I had a pretty bad gnat problem in my lantern terrarium. One good treatment and I haven't seen one since.

Use a tall container. And make sure it doesn't touch the plant.
The fog it creates is fine but the water and container can get cooooold. And the bubbles cause splashing.

In my tiny terrarium the container method wasn't too feasible. So I stuck some tubing in the end of a water bottle and put the end in my tank.


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As for the original question, there are other systemic pesticides besides imidacloprid, but they all.pose a risk to insects (otherwise, they would not be effective). Imidacloprid is one of the safer ones (it is also used in one of the popular flea controls for dogs). Used as directed, on Phalaenopsis, which are not likely to attract bees (mine stay indoors when blooming), imidacloprid is pretty safe. Using it, or not, is a personal choice.

Where can you buy dry ice?

Many supermarkets will have them, otherwise certain liquor stores and ice cream stores may be able to help.

Imidacloprid is pretty safe to use on your plant and if your spray outside put the plant in an empty garbage can that will contain the chemical.


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I have heard that big groceries carry dry ice (for preserving ice cream cakes, etc.). No idea what it costs.

But, considering that it is very difficult to store for very long, is it worth it? I would not recommend storing in the home freezer for example (consider possible build-up of CO2 gas in the kitchen, breathing hazard if CO2 / oxygen ratio gets too high)

It won't last in a freezer.
Dry ice you sort of have to use right away.

In my area every major grocery store has dry ice. And it cost $1.50 a pound. And a pound was more than enough lol.

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