Yucky mealy bugs!

[kerri.rock]

So, I've just discovered a couple of adults on the underside of one of my orchids. I have currently sprayed the leaves and the top of the potting medium with Safer insecticidal soap, which I have read was fairly safe and efficient. Thoughts or input greatly appreciated!!!

[Ron-NY]

I use alcohol with some detergent mixed in but Safer should work..retreat in 10 days and isolate plant from others.

[Chris1140]

Make sure to spray the entire plant including undersides of leaves. Plus I physically crush every insect I find.

[coeruleo]

rubbing alcohol and a q-tip.

[kerri.rock]

Thank you all for your quick responses! I made sure to thoroughly treat the leaves (below and above) along with top of my bark. I have the plant in a completely different room now! The bottle of Safer says in two to three days to retreat, but should I wait 10?

[Ron-NY]

Their eggs hatch after 10 days. That is why I recommended 10 day

[Chris1140]

One more thought-thoroughly spray the crown/leaf axils areas--they love to hide in the crevices. I like to use a q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol to poke into those areas, but spraying will work.

[rangiku]

In addition to spraying with Safers or other product, rinsing down your plant and repotting in a new pot with new mix first is also a good idea.

[rangiku]

In addition to spraying with Safers or other product, first, rinsing the plant and roots and repotting in a new pot and new medium is always helpful.