Mealyworms

[bkessler]

I have about 40 cymbidiums and I inspect them regularly, and all the sudden I've noticed a lot of mealyworms, this is my first pest problem I am in socal and these are outside orchids. Can any one give me a brand of pesticide and some good instructions. thanks bk.

[WIB]

I think you mean "mealybugs," small scale-type, sucking insects that cover themselves with an almost fluffy, white, waxy substance (although the insect itself is a pretty routine brown). If there are too many to pick off with a Q-tip and alcohol (sounds like there are), I have had the most success with acephate (Ortho Systemic Insect Killer, formerly known as Isotox). This is an isecticide that is absorbed by the plant. The mealybug then absorbs it as it sucks up the plant sap. The plants have been quite tolerant to it. I find the concentration required is roughly two to three times what the package recommends for standard houseplants. Acephate has to be sprayed on, and this should be done outside, or if it must be done indoors it should be done inside, say, a large plastic garbage bag so as to allow minimum escape of the stuff, which has a rather unpleasant odor. The treatment needs to be repeated twice more at intervals of a week to ten days in order to catch the larval forms that haven't started sucking yet on the plant as of the first application. Acephate itself is not terribly toxic to people or other land creatures. It is used agriculturally, and it pretty well breaks down in the environment within a couple of weeks. The reason you can't use ordinary insect sprays is that the waxy defense of the mealybug prevents them from reaching their target. Cynthia is one of our experts and she may offer a different approach. -- Bill

[bkessler]

Thanks a million, I belong to a similar electrical forum that helps tremendously I am sure I will check in with yall from time to time.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

If you find the acephate is hard to find, you can use any product with imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide. It takes a few days to kill the beasts, so you have to be patient. Several treatments are probably a good idea. Imidacloprid can be found in Bayer Advance Tree and Shrub, but you will have to determine the concentration by looking at the B. A,. Rose and Flower ready mix to figure out how much to use. My last calculation was 2 tablespoons per gallon, but don't trust me on that. Or you can use the B. A. Lawn and something that attaches to a hose end to spray the liquid.

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by bkessler

I have about 40 cymbidiums and I inspect them regularly, and all the sudden I've noticed a lot of mealyworms, this is my first pest problem I am in socal and these are outside orchids. Can any one give me a brand of pesticide and some good instructions. thanks bk.

Bayer 3 in 1 will take care of the problem too. Plus any other troubles you might have.

[bkessler]

This bayer AND ONE can I use this monthly for preventitive measures.