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Controlling mealybugs on orchids
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'm not surprised that it worked since it contains imidacloprid, one of the few pesticides that has proved effective against the mealybug scourge. But this product 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 on indoor plants except for the orchids, since they need to grow in bark. 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. 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. This treatment ensures that all the pests get coated with oil.
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