[GrowRR] Newbie - Pest Help

[Dave Christiano]

I don't have problems with mealybugs, but scale is another matter. The two
are sometimes spoken of together; both are sucking insects. If you see ants
on the plants, they are likely the cause for mealybugs as the two have a
strange symbiotic relationship. Scale is the tougher opponent having a waxy
coating that repels most insecticides. Bromeliads being adpet at ingesting
things through the leaves respond well to systemic insecticides. (I don't
think the epiphytic Bromeliads would like soap on their leaves for the same
reason.) Systemics work like the new miracle drops you can use on pets to
rid them of fleas and ticks. The material essentially makes the plants
poisonous, killing the insects as they begin to dine. I have good luck using
Isotox (orthene). Many like Cygon but I find the odor overpowering. Isotox
is bad enough. There are many alternates.


Your best bet is to stay ahead of the pests. Have a regular spraying program
in-place. Like most things, pest control is easy when you're in the
preventative stage, not the eradication stage.

Good Luck,
Dave & Mary Christiano
Springfield, Missouri
http://djchristi.home.mchsi.com/ 


-----Original Message-----
From: GrowRR-bounces at bsi.org [mailto:GrowRR-bounces at bsi.org] On Behalf Of
Edward Salm
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 5:45 PM
To: GrowRR at bsi.org
Subject: [GrowRR] Newbie - Pest Help


I am new to Bromeliads, but I do have a concept of their general care.

My first batch succumbed to mealy bugs, now I have "flies": small, black,
gnat-like insects.

I have tried using "Safer" insecticidal soap. It has had little effect.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!


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