New member and I have a bug problem- help

[PaHansen]

Last winter I had a basil plant on the window sill next to my orchids, I first noticed the bugs on it but also found them on the orchids so don't know who infected who. The bugs start out as a very small pale tan spot that matures to a dark brown with a shiny shell. I notice a clear sticky substance and there is aways a bug pretty near by. I believe it to be a reproduction process. Does anyone know wht these bugs are and hoe to get rid of them?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Sounds like scale. I have used neem oil, a very complete spraying/drenching, but the temps in the greenhouse are too high right now for its use. I have had no end of bug problems from herbs I buy. Fortunately, I put then in full sun in a window too hot for orchids, so no transfer to my orchids has happened. Right now, I would suggest using orthene at the roots as a thorough drench. I under stand that orthene is systemic from the roots up by not from the leaves down. Probably a second course 2 weeks later would be a good idea. The only problem I had with a systemic was in an ironwood plant that transpired so slowly, that it never soaked up enough systemic to kill the scale. What ever you do to get rid of them, you want to do a very thorough job to rid them completely from your environment, and be done with them. For this reason, I don't recommend the toothbrush/alcohol technique others like, just because you probabaly won't get them all. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

Another product that I like is Bayer Advanced Rose and Flower Spray. It is a systemic and the effects last for 30 days.

[PaHansen]

Thanks for the help, I tried to find orthene but have not been successful, I went to 5 different places today and will try more tomorrow. Do you recall where you purchased yours? Thanks again. Pat Hansen, Brooklyn Park, Mn

[orchid gal red]

Originally Posted by PaHansen

Thanks for the help, I tried to find orthene but have not been successful, I went to 5 different places today and will try more tomorrow. Do you recall where you purchased yours? Thanks again. Pat Hansen, Brooklyn Park, Mn

Have you tried your local Home Depot or Lowes?

[Ellen]

You can also get Bayer Merit tree and shrub treatment and dilute it to use on orchids. It's another systemic insecticide. And get rid of that infested basil plant! Make some pesto.

[PaHansen]

I got some Bayer Advanced for Roses and Flowers, I applied it last week and really went over all the plants well. I hope I am on the road to recovery. The basil plant has been long gone, long ago! Thank you all for your replies. Pat, Brooklyn Park, Mn.