Help!! I have two orchids that have fallen victim to mealy bugs!! I can’t seem to kick them. I have been spraying the leaves with a diluted peroxide mixture, which seems to work, but then after a few weeks they sneak back out. Any suggestions on how to kill these pests.
Yes. I had my first outbreak this summer and it’s been a battle. First- I wouldn’t spray peroxide on the leaves and joints- 1) it’s not affective to kill the eggs etc, and 2) peroxide just turns to water when the bubbling stops and that is never good to let sit on your plant. First- isolate the affected plants. Mealy bugs travel- you don’t want entire shelves of plants being infested. Second- repot the plants that you know have had critters. I found some MONTHS after I thought I had ridded myself of them because they had congregated in the roots. Ugh.
3 likesThird- to remove the mealy bugs, dip a q-tip into isopropyl alcohol, remove any bugs you see and smoosh them. The alcohol SHOULD kill them, but sorry- better to be sure. Fourth- remove any old sheaths or dried material that they can hide in. Fifth-take a clean q-tip and dip again. Stick it in all the nooks and crannies of the leaf joints and let it kind of seep down. It will evaporate so it doesn’t pose as great a risk for crown or stem rot, and will get down in the tiny spaces to get any babies and eggs.
1 likeYou will need to repeat this treatment maybe once a week (or sooner if you spot one) for at least a month- but 6 weeks would be better.
1 likeDon’t forget to check the underside of leaves.
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All of Jen’s advice is the best instruction for dealing with mealy bugs I have seen on any of the Planta forums.
0 likesWow! Thank you! I’m glad my frustrating experience can benefit other growers!
2 likesSeems to be working
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