Orchid Pests - HELP!!

[lindajulielewis]

Can anyone help me?

I have two problems .....1) Scale insect 2) a kind of blackfly

I have treated the scale insect with methylated spirit and they look very, very sad.

Is there anything else I can do ... or does anyone have some advice for me?

I look forward to members' advice

Thanks in advance

[rcb]

By methylated spirits are you referring to paint thinner?

[Fishmom]

Welcome to the Forum. Many people here use a concoction called "Brookn's Recipe" or "The Best Stuff Ever". Here is a link:
The Best Stuff Ever!!!

I'm not familiar with methylated spirits, but if it is a high-alcohol material, it might tend to chill the orchid, which is not good. Scale can be stubborn to get rid of; you will need to treat repeatedly. I'm sure there is a mild pesticide available in your area, but I don't know what it would be.

As far as the blackfly, that would not usually be thought of as a plant pest. Can you tell what is attracting them? Are they actually on the plant?

If you make 5 posts, you can put a picture up and then you may get more assistance. If you go to the Introductions Board, you can introduce yourself and that will be an added post. Then just ask a couple more questions and you are set.

[jerrymeola]

I find that an extra strong solution of Vermi-Liquid (Worm Tea but not compost tea) kills scale in one spraying.

It also feeds the plant at the same time.

The liquid has ceitanese in the solution which only dissolves ceitain. Harmless to us and pets but fatal to insects and scale whose skeleton is ceitain.

[kmarch]

I'd recommend a good systemic insecticide for the scale.

Originally Posted by jerrymeola

It also feeds the plant at the same time.

I'm confused Jerry. when you first started singing the praises of worm tea you said it was a dilute fertilizer then recently in several posts you said it was not a fertilizer. But now it seems like you're back to saying it feeds plants (is a fertilizer). So is it or is it not a fertilizer?