Mealy Bugs

[Sassismom]

In a previous post it was said to soak the pots in the solution, for how long, does anyone know?

[articuno75]

Hi Sassismom

Have you still not rid the mealies yet?
Have you tried Brookn's recipe? One it's cheap to make and safer to use. You can use it for just about any bug/slug and it works. Go to this link, The Best Stuff Ever.

[kid a]

I would say five to ten minutes should be good.

[articuno75]

The recipe is really flexible. You can add more or less soap or extract to strenghen or weaken.

[Sassismom]

Jenny, I haven't tried it yet, as I haven't been able to get out to buy cinnamon extract. Hopefully I can find it today and get busy.

Kortney thanks.

[Sassismom]

I can't find anywhere, where it stated where I might find cinnamon extract, is it just with all the other extracts in the grocery store?

[Ron]

Hi.
maybe I should not comment on your problem.
But I feel maybe you are being led up the wrong path on the mealy bug problem.

I never like using the nasty poisions either But as Confidor Concentrate Insecticide is based on a natural chemical imidacloprid from the tobacco base Nicotine.
I feel it is a safe as most of the so called combinations of other natural plants extracts etc.
Is is used in most stated of Australia as a control measure on many food pests.
In Tasmania it is use on our Food products especially the common pest free lettuce

This is sold fit for humans to eat.

Other uses are in flea contolls for pets etc
I use Confidor Concentrate Insecticide on my Paphs to control mealy bugs.
When I first started using it the mealy bug problem was out of contol dispite using toxic poisons sprays for a while.
I finally was put onto Confidor by a American Orchid nursery as one of the least toxic poision to use.
I only use it once per year and in the active growth cycle of the plants being sprayed.
Ie late spring or early autum.
I use the Concentrate powder form and mix it to the mearly bug instructions on packett.
Of several thousand Paphs I get about 6 to 10 plants with a few mealy bug re-infestations each year.
I allways use full safety mask, clothing etc.
I suspect they are coming in from outside as we live near bushland!
Cheerio
Ron

[brookn]

You can find the cinnamon extract in the spice aisle at the grocery store. It is used for making candy! Be sure that you get the one that says it is pure cinnamon extract, as some are not really cinnamon.

Ron I have used imadicloprid, and it is effective, if the cinnamon won't kill the bugs, it will. I just prefer to use the cinnamon. If my son sprays it on the dog or in his own eye I know a good flush with water will take care of it.

[Sassismom]

I can't seem to find any product with the imadicloprid around here, but the fact that you dress in all safety gear is a little scary to me. If the cinnamon recipe does not do the trick and everyone here seems to think it will then I will TRY to find something else.

Thanks for the help.

[Andrew]

I believe Bayer markets imidacloprid as Merit in the US.
As for how long to soak plants, contact is usually enough for most insecticidal preps whether they're commercial or home made. Dunk it until there are no longer any bubbles coming from the pot to ensure complete coverage and then drain the pot. I would not let a plant sit in an insecticidal prep for long periods especially if it contains alcohol/hydrocarbons or soaps.

[Ron]

Hi Sassimon.
I even get gloves and a mask for eco oil when I use it.
One bad trip with cancer is enought to worry me even thou I am 60.

Cheerio
Ron

[Sassismom]

Well now I have another problem, I can't even find the cinnamon extract anywhere. I was all over to a lot of stores today nobody carries it. Is it possible to use powdered cinnamon and something to mix it with before adding the water?