I'm sure others on here will be more help to you then I, but when a plant I had, had spider mites, I bought GardenSafe Insecticidal Soap (which is safe for ornamental plants) and it got rid of the little buggers. I sprayed once more about 1 week later and they have not returned!

I guess the first thing you need to figure out why you are having the pest problem... is it the humidity or something else?

good luck!

If you are looking for something to work long term, take a look at the Bayer Flower and Shrub systemic, I've had great luck with this product on my 'kids. I believe it now uses Merit. It is absorbed by the plant, so no need to re-apply every 7-10 days. Maybe apply every couple of months or when a problem starts to show itself again. (I don't have insect problems any longer, but I still apply @ once a year as a preventative)

HTH,

Bob

I haven't used the Bayer systemic on my orchids, but I have used it on my miniature roses with great success! I had a horrible outbreak of aphids last summer, and after applying a sprinkling of the systemic granules around the base of the plants and watering it in, I've not seen a bug on any of my mini roses.

I now automatically sprinkle a bit of the Bayer systemic around the base of any new mini rose, or other perennial, that I am planting... an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure!

Systemics are the way to go. The 3-way systemic for roses which have a fungicide, insecticide and fertilizer is one easy way to do one-stop shopping. Or if you don't trust the fertilizer on orchids, you can buy them separately. I've even used the tree and shrub systemic insecticide which is supposed to last 1 year with no damage to the orchids, but it's definitely not labeled for that. When you have a large collection, you need something that works. Otherwise, you get to watch everything slowly languish and die. Before the systemics, I tried a lawn insecticide (bought for my lawn!) designed to kill grubs amoung other things. It's name begins with tri-, but I don't remember the exact name. A major side benefit was it also diminished grasshoppers and other beasties on my outside orchids. But I like the systemics better.
MsFlintlock

Granulated systemics don't work well on orchids because of the open media.

Try Bayer Advanced, it is a liquid systemic and I thought it was excellent. My favorite orchid greenhouse told me it was the best they had ever used and the only bug it wasn't supposed to work on is red spider mites, HOWEVER, when I used it, the only bugs I did have was the red spider mites and one application killed them dead and they never came back. I used it last fall when bringing my plants back in - one dose did it.

Use it now and then if you wish use again in the fall.

Susan

Be careful using oil, either neem or horticultural as the leaves can burn if they get sun on them with the oil.

My bad,

I do use the Bayers "Tree" and Shrub. It is not a granular based formula, it's a brown gunky goo. Directions say to mix it in a bucket of water and then pour that around the tree or shrub once a year. Quantity to use depends on trunk diameter.

I dilute to about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. I just water my orchids once a year with the B T&S mixed into my normal water. I don't believe the B T&S has fertilizer, but then again...

It's pretty expensive @ $18/bottle but I've had mine for over 2 years and let a friend borrow to use on her 'kids and still have some left.

Simple, easy and effective for me.

Bob

Susan- I've used Bayer Advanced on my roses--It is stinky brown goop that you dilute and pour around the plant, I don't think this is what you used, now that I think of it--that has a fertilzer component too...at any rate, did you pour your in the potting medium, or spray it on the plants? thanks--nick

Wiscnick,
Yes, I did use Bayer Advanced. I bought it in the bottle that you attach to a hose and mixes itself. You spray the foliage and the medium. I got it directly from my favorite orchid greenhouse in Madison area.

However, I did the math and mixed up on about a quart and then used a pump pressure sprayer to spray my plants and the medium (outside) in the shade. They didn't have the premixed, at the time. It worked great and none of plants were harmed. However, I can't say the same for any bugs that were on my plants.

Susan

Here is a link that might be useful: This is Bayer Advanced

This Bayer Advanced sounds like good stuff--I shall go forth and buy some. I guess it'll be worth it, though I will miss having orchids that smell like cinnamon rolls...Ah well, something for genetic engineers (or orchid breeders) to shoot for.

Since most people recommended getting rid of the insects, I assume that's better than keeping the plants indoors, eh?