Yuk... Mealy bugs

[Brengirl]

I have just noticed fluffy bits on my orchids and after searching realise that I have mealy bugs as visitors. One recommendation was to spray with a mixture of isopropyl, washing up liquid, oil and water. Has anyone else had this problem and if so did you beat the little critters.

[valmarg]

Not sure. but the old method was to wipe the plants/bugs with cotton wool soaked with methylated spirits.

valmarg

[sarraceniac]

Sorry Bren, just spotted this. Isopropynol is of course just medical acohol, very similar to meths in its properties. So either method should work. The addition of washing up liquid and oil is similar to that green method of dealing with aphids. It just makes the solution sticky. In the case of aphids, it makes the little sweeties stick to the leaves until they croak (Yipee!) In the case of your mealy bugs it will make the alcohol stick until your little sweeties shuffle off this mortal coil. (Equally yipee!). So that method is probably longer lasting but not quite as strong.

[Brengirl]

Thanks everyone for imput. These orchids are annual birthday gifts and I have been trying to keep them going for yonks. It really gave me the creeps when I discovered these thingy's with tendrils but so far so good. Onwards and upwards always....