Q. My orchid became badly infested with mealybugs. I used a systemic insecticide named Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control, and it worked on my orchids, birds of paradise, oleander and citrus fruits. Why don't you recommend this?
A. I am not surprised that it worked since it contains imidacloprid, one of the few pesticides that has proved effective against the mealybug scourge. However, the label for this product clearly limits its use to trees and shrubs outdoors. It is not intended for use indoors. Bayer Advanced All-in-One Potting Mix can be used indoors, contains imidacloprid and is labeled for mealybug control. This could be used on all your indoor plants except for the orchids, since they need to grow in bark. While this may seem to be splitting hairs, the label must always be read carefully, and you must follow its instructions exactly to use the pesticide safely and effectively against the pest or disease you are dealing with. I have found that the best way to cope with insect problems on orchids is to remove all the bark from the roots, give them a dunk and swish in a 1 percent solution of horticultural oil, and pot them in fresh orchid bark. Mealybugs and scale insects can live on the roots of orchids as easily as they can on the foliage, and this treatment ensures that all the pests get coated with oil." source : http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/industries/real_estate/14685834.htm?source=rss&channel=journalgazette_real_estate ********** regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
