I bought a new phalaenopsis a couple months ago and failed to keep it isolated from my other phals. Now I have mealy bugs running amok through my plants (so far only my orchids but in time I'm sure the others will fall) I'm at a loss on how to get rid of them. I live in Ontario Canada and all our useful chemical treatments have been banned, I've been using rubbing alcohol but can't keep up with the little bleeeps. Does ANYBODY have a suggestion? Can the plants be sprayed with the rubbing alcohol without killing the plant? I'd very much appreciate any suggestions on how to at least control if not eliminate the little monsters.

Brian, do you have the Bayer 3 in one product in your area? It's marketed for roses but works
on orchids as well. I have used that in addition to alcohol and quarenteen... good luck!

That would be Merit/Imidacloprid. I sure works.

Thanks but the only thing available to us is pyrethrin and insecticidal soap. Neither of which has ever worked for me for mealy bugs or spider mites.
I may have to go visit my friend in the US

Brian, I can think of two things that you may find available. The first is predator insects such as ladybird beetles and green lacewings as well as parasitoids (ie., tiny wasps) that can suppress mealy populations enough so that insecticide use is unnecessary. Some parasitic fungi can also reduce populations. The second is low toxic controls such as horticular oils. Even three tablespoons of cooking oil in a gallon of water may work for you. I've had some luck with soapy water but it seems to work better on aphids than mealy bugs

Jim

The oil sounds promising,how do you keep it suspended in the water? Do you put a little soap in to keep it from separating out? I can't use other insects as I'm grow ing the orchids in my apartment.

Neem Oil is somewhat effective for this purpose and is readily available here in Canada.

A link from the Ottawa Orchid Society :
http://www.ottawaorchidsociety...

The Bayer "Rose and Flower Insect Killer" is very effective for this purpose, so a trip abroad might be in order.

If it's worth a trip abroad, get the Bayer Insect, disease, and Mite Control. It comes in ready to spray or concentrate. Neem oil or superfine oil should work, but it takes frequent applications.

and don't forget to stop at the duty free shopping area at the border!

Thanks Carol & Ken, I think I'll be making the trip (for other reasons too ) and will most certainly be visiting the duty free store Lindsey!

I use isopropyl alcohol with a T of peppermint soap in a quart sprayer on my orchids these days. The mealies turn to brown mush. Very satisfying and so easy. I'd try that first.

Kathy how much is a T? Teaspoon or tablespoon? In how much alcohol? Do you spray it on or dab the bugs with a cotton swab?

I fill the sprayer almost all full and add a Tablespoon of peppermint soap (I use Dr. Woods). I spray it on then rub my fingers on the leaves gently to take off the dead bugs. Best with rubber gloves because the alcohol dries out your hands. I use it on scale too. It kills them instantly but the scale takes more work to get off the leaves.

Good info, Kathy. I'll have to try that.

Jim

I got this formula from an Amherst Orchid Society member last summer and I've been happily spraying ever since. They come back but they always did with the Bayer too and this is sooo much cheaper!

I'll have to file that one away..I love watching the near instant death of a nasty pest!

Let me know if it works for you too.