Simple pesticides/recipes

[Zozzl]

We had a speaker come to our society and speak on orchid pests and diseases and he handed out the recipes for these homemade and inexpensive pesticides so I am passing them along....

1. 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)

2. Water 4 cups, 1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol, 3 tbsp. Formula 409, Spray and brush critters away with toothbrush. (You may substitute 3 tbsp. Simple Green for the Formula 407).

3. For Mouse Milk in a one-gallon jug, use 1 pint isopropyl alcohol, 2 tbsp. antibacterial soap, 2 tbsp. light vegetable oil and fill with water.

Remember, adult insects lay eggs that hatch in 7 to 10 days, apply pesticide 3 times at 7 day intervals.

4. Roach/ant bait: Melt 1 lb wax, add 12 oz Boric Acid, 1 cup sugar. Let it harden and cut into small squares and place where having problem, can place on media.

Keep all out of reach of children!!! Use caution when trying something new on rare, delicate or seedling orchids. Best to use sprays early in morning, never on sunny days.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks Pat!! I'm not sure how I missed this!

Cheers,
BD

[OrchisAmor]

Thanks for sharing these simple recipes for getting rid of some pests.

Another good way to get rid of ants that I know works great (not only for ants w/ plants but ants in general) = plain corn meal! It works excellent. Apparently, they can't digest it, but will carry it back to their colony. Any ant that eats it dies. It takes a few days to work (can but up to a week), but it's really nice if you want to get rid of a bunch of ants permanently and naturally (e.g. in your house, around pets or children, etc.). All you have to do is put a small pile near the ant trail and they will automatically go after it.

[raybark]

One of the first things I ever posted on my "Free Information" page was Home Remedies, and it was picked up and published in the Orchid Digest withing the last year or so.

[OrchisAmor]

One of the first things I ever posted on my "Free Information" page was Home Remedies, and it was picked up and published in the Orchid Digest withing the last year or so.

You have some great information that you share -- always much appreciated!!!

[catttan]

Thanks for the post.

[coeruleo]

another great and non-toxic way to get rid of ants that nest in your potting mix - diatomaceous earth. it cuts them up and they wont go near it. and the cornmeal - that work when they eat the meal, then they drink water, and the meal expands and the ant bursts! cool, huh?

[OrchisAmor]

another great and non-toxic way to get rid of ants that nest in your potting mix - diatomaceous earth. it cuts them up and they wont go near it. and the cornmeal - that work when they eat the meal, then they drink water, and the meal expands and the ant bursts! cool, huh?

I've used DE for other bugs - works awesome to dehydrate them once the friction opens their exoskeleton and 'cuts them up' as you say!! I can see putting it around your pots, but I wondered if it would be two drying for orchids if you put it in the mix and if it still works after it is wet (seems to clump together)??? Does it work well for you?

Cornmeal works like a dream on ants and in a rather interesting way!

[kdennis14]

Ok, I have read elsewhere that, Neem oil (small amount) dish soap 1 tbls, then 1/2 water, and 1/2 alcohol is a good preventative for orchids, or any plant if you see a bug,mold,etc also tht soak newly acquired orchids as a preventative. Has anyone used this? It sounds wonderful. I want to try a batch, but I want to make sure the article is legit.
Thank you all,
Karen

[Carolla]

Neem oil works, only warning is that, because it is an oil, if the plant is in bright light while the oil is still wet, it will magnify the sunlight on the leaves and burn them. I didn't know that the first time I used it and got some spots on my leaves. Otherwise it seems to work fine.