MEALYBUGS: Characteristics and Controls

Ailments Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin almost 8 years ago.

Article Blog   Article Index
They are enclosed in a protective waxy, cottony secretion, they usually appear white, are mobile throughout their life; several types are known; control is difficult because timing is a 11-important, that is when the insects are in their unprotected, crawler stage; presumably a good insecticide will be effective at the right time. AH86-53
Share on Social Media:  
Log in to Add a Comment

More The Orchid Doctor Articles under the Heading Mealy Bugs

Mealy Bugs Comments
MEALY BUGS: Characteristics and Controls Flat, segmented insects covered with a dusty white wax; insidious, they mass in hidden places under sheathing leaves, etc.; make unsightly spots; spray repeatedly with Malathion with an essential spreader-sticker; a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or lighter fluid is a tedious and less effective way to remove them, A73-716; A79-784Soft-bodied insects covered with white powdery wax; like aphids they secrete a honey-dew attractive to ants and sooty mold; spray with dimethoate (Cygon 2E), diazinon, malathion, or use a dithio smoke. AH6; N329; OR74-227;231; S192 0
MEALYBUGS: Control on Roots A difficult situation, some success has been achieved by the use of Systox-2 which is normally prohibited from use, so consult your county agricultural agent. A81-27 0
MEALY BUGS: Controls Recommended are Cygon 2E, as a spray at 2 tpg.; Malathion at regular strength but with a wetter-sticker added at the rate of % tpg. of the spray. A70-916; A76-507 0
MEALYBUGS: Controls An insidious pest; recommended controls are many but their effectiveness is in doubt; try Malathion, Sevin or Cygon 2E with the last named the most effective, if under a cloud; it lasts four to six weeks in effectiveness if used at the rate of 2 tpg. With a wetting agent and on mature plants only; Dursban, Systox are also registered for use. OIE85-Nov-14; AH86-62Shell Vapona strips hung in the growing area, one to each eight feet of length, hung from the roof over the walkway, not the plants, and replaced every three months will keep them out. NZ85-51Systemic insecticides are ineffective on orchids,(so much for Cygon 2E) so use Malathion three or four times at seven to 10 day intervals ; Safer's Soap may work but it has no residual effect. A85-1118Where small groups are found, kill them with cotton-wool dipped in methanol or methylated spirits; contact or systemic insecticides are necessary to eradicate infestations; common controls given are Diazinon, Malathion, Mineral Oil, Orthen... 0
MEALY BUGS: Effect of Shell No-pest Strip Vapona fumes offer only a slow control; most effective is to place the plants and the Strip in a plastic bag. A76-1007; Vapona (DDVP) or, Elantfume 103 Smoke. A80-356 0
MEALYBUGS: Methylated Spirits as Control Use a small brush to paint inside the sheaths of young shoots; if sheaths are sensitive wash with water after. ORBS-161 0
MEALY BUGS: On Plants Under Lights For control use Cygon 2E, at 2 tpg.; Malathion is better for the home but it needs 1/2 tpg. of wetting agent to be effective. A78-495 0
MEALY BUGS: On Roots They resemble a "snow mold" infestation; but of rare occurrence; dip plant in solution of Diazinon. F78-113 0

New Topics

  1. Danielle Carbonneau asked question phalaenopsis, dendrochum and Odontoglossum in category Phalaenopsis
  2. Nicholas Filannino asked question Phalaenopsis William Kistler? in category General Discussion
  3. Mark Farran asked question How to open and read articles listed in category General Discussion
  4. Juliann Eckhard started topic Cattleya little susie in category Cattleya Alliance
  5. Shannon Gardea asked question NELLY ISLER in category General Discussion
Ask a Question

Start a Topic

New Comments

  1. Louis Wilson commented on member plant E. alata f. alba by Louis Wilson
  2. Julie Ellner commented on member plant Phal. amabilis var. formosanum by Vickie Seibert
  3. Julie Ellner commented on member plant Rlc. Green Dragoon 'Mendenhall' by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  4. Danielle Carbonneau commented on member plant Ons. Catatante 'Los Roble' by Henry Shaw
  5. Barry J Silver commented on orchid Lyon. SunCoast Pink Passion
  6. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Phalaenopsis William Kistler?" by Nicholas Filannino
  7. Carol Holdren commented on orchid Colm. Eric Gabriel Heines
  8. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Cattleya little susie" by Juliann Eckhard
  9. Carol Holdren commented on member plant Bc. Morning Glory by Chris Siolo
  10. R .Benson commented on member plant Kir. New Hybrid (Fred Clarke) SVO9831 by R .Benson
  11. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Blooming Stenglottis Venus “jamboree “" by John Urey
  12. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Lc. Canhamiana var. coerulea 'Cobalt' by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  13. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Sns. gemmata by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  14. Stefan Neher commented on topic "Orchid roots .com site?" by Mary Lane
  15. Kevin Barry commented on member plant Bul. Tammie Sue Pernas by Tony Pernas
  16. Linda Hartman commented on member plant Ctt. Final Blue by Linda Hartman
  17. Kevin Bergeson commented on member plant Paph. rothschildianum by Kevin Bergeson
  18. Carol Holdren commented on topic "recently purchased orchid shows unstoppable roots " by David George
  19. Michael Makio commented on orchid V. Beatrice Makio
  20. Carol Holdren commented on topic "shorter stem with less vigorous blooms" by katherine mott