My Phal has BUGS.. Help please

[eaglssong]

I thought I had already posted this, so if it shows up twice, please excuse me.

While shooting an update for the Phal in bloom forum, I noticed something that didn't look quite right. I thought at first it might be mealy bugs, but after reading one of my books, I now suspect aphids. Whatever it is, it's mind boggling to think that this stuff gets into a room that has closed windows and a/c running all the time (and a fan too).







Anyhow, could someone confirm what this is, and what I should do please. Is loss of the flowers inevitable? I was so happy with the way it's blooming and this is making me very sad. I'm just glad I have all the other plants in a different room, but I'm going to watch them very closely.

Thanks for your help.

[Cjcorner]

You can pick them off with tweezers, from the flowers. But, unfortunately, when you spray the blooms will be left with spots probably. There is a three in one that comes from the big box stores that is good. Or you can mix dishsoap and neem oil. There are several ways to keep bugs away. Just remember to spray every three months or so, and you shouldn't see bugs ever again. Its better to prevent them....
I cannot remember the name of the bug...maybe a thrip? Good luck...

[eaglssong]

Thanks Connie. I'm sitting here with the Neem Oil right in front of me, but might try alcohol first. These things look exactly like mealy bugs, so the only question in my mind is whether mealys attack flowers and buds, or just foliage.

This was not what I had in mind before breakfast. LOL

[Shannara]

Looks like mealy to me. I would try alcohol on a q-tip and press it on the bugs...it's like instant death. Gently clean away with the alcohol q-tip then rinse the area with a little water.

HTH

Shann~

[eaglssong]

Thanks Shann,

That seems to be the consensus, and from a little research, I do think it's Mealies. I'm going to have another cup of coffee, and then out will come the alcohol and Q tips.

Now here's an interesting question. I just read in one of my books that used cigarette butts (with paper peeled off) poked into the potting mix, makes for an effective insecticide. Does anyone know if this is true? And it won't hurt the plants? Do I have to take up smoking again after 26 years?

[playtime8978]

The used cig filters is a good idea for me as I smoke but would this not be a risk of transferring Tobacco Mosaic Virus to your collection? I am not sure how it happens but seems as though its a possibility. I look forward to anyones ideas on this.

[Gin]

Looks like mealy bugs they will also hide in the blooms . What I have used is the spray in the blue bottle (Bayer) ( box store) it says it protects for 30 days (which I find hard to believe) on the label it is a systemic no smell . I use it once a week for 3 weeks to get ones that hatch . I have sprayed blooms with it and had no damage you could use a q tip and alcohol to get any in the blooms, it takes awhile for the systemic from the spray to enter the plants system .
I do pretty much what Connie said but because I have a lot of plants I use the Bayer Tree and shrub 1 Tbs. per gallon it is the same ingredient as the pre. mixed spray ..Take no hostages Gin

[eaglssong]

Boy, I just knew you guys would have the answers for me. This forum is better than any book I could ever read!! I am grateful every day for having found you!!

[margo]

Anne, from what I know cigarettes have some bacteria that is bad for orchids. And don't take up smoking after 26 years...If it was 26 days okay, but years........

[Shannara]

I would do a thorough search on the plant after you treat that bloom. Those lil' guys can get in the tiniest crevices!

Shann~