The most common pests which orchids suffer from are Mealy Bug & Scale.

Fortunately they are easily dealt with, there are many good insecticides with which the orchid grower can eliminate & at least control the unwanted guests.

Mealybug is a common problem to Phalaenopsis, it appers usually under the leaves, perhaps along the flower spike as "cotton wool" for a small infestation a wipe down with a cloth in methyated spirits can be an effective control of mealybug, but if it has taken a firm hold, then spraying with a recommended insecticide will have to be undertaken.

Another very common problem which attacks phalaenopsis and cymbidiums in particular is the scale insect, which appears on the underside of leave and sometimes flower stems or even the back of flowers as well, it can be identfied as a small limpet like bump usually brown in colour, this is the adult, and at this stage it doesnt move, once again wiping with a methylated spirit soaked cloth will get rid of most of the adults, a 3 or 4 times spraying at 5 day intervals with a suitable insecticide can often be needed to solve the problem.

Whenever you spray for insect pests, you must bear in the growth cycle of the beasts,& spraying once will not solve the problem, the best way is to spray a five day intervals four to five times to eliminate the nymphs as they hatch out or re appear from somewhere else.

Insecticides for use with Orchids

What kind of insecticides are best for use with orchids? - well there are is a lot to choose from, always avoid insecticides which have an element of copper in them orchids dont like that.

Knowing what to insecticide to use for which orchid pest is a minefield, but fortunately you are able to download a pdf chart, which lists all the various remedies for each orchid pest.

Always read the lable, and take any necessary precautions that the Manufactures recommend, remember the list may only show the suitable active ingredient, and not necessarily the brand name, which will vary dependant on where you are.