moving orchids inside after the summer - pest removal question

I hung a lot of my orchids outside this summer. Now i see tiny ants and a couple little webs, and occasionally other unidentified bugs on them. Inside the house I've also had some outbreaks of mealies, and possibly some thrips. the orchids are very crowded on my windowsills. When my greenhouse is finally installed I want to start with pest free plants. I don't like using heavy duty pesticides, but I think I may have to this once.

But what should I use? I don't want to have to repot 200 orchids! I've heard of doing drenches. Is that what I should do? and how do I do it, and what should I use? What ingredients should it contain (since we're not to post brands here) Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Clara

Hi, Clara. I don't think brands are an issue. Where to buy them, maybe.

I would definitely go with a systemic or translaminar insecticide like acephate or imidicloprid, although being a neonicotinoid, the latter is bad for the bee population.

In any case, treat the plants by wetting every surface and drenching the potting medium. Repeat two more times at one-week intervals.

Thanks Ray!
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Originally Posted by raybark

Hi, Clara. I don't think brands are an issue. Where to buy them, maybe.

I would definitely go with a systemic or translaminar insecticide like acephate or imidicloprid, although being a neonicotinoid, the latter is bad for the bee population.

In any case, treat the plants by wetting every surface and drenching the potting medium. Repeat two more times at one-week intervals.

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Thanks, Ray!

cheers,
BD :D