I use Orthene quarterly as a precaution and if I get bugs in mass. It is a systemic that also kills on contact. It remains a benefit systemically for a few weeks. It is considered low risk to humans properly applied. Dust is for field crops.

James, I'm sure there are dust insecticides for grubs, but not the product I would use. I'm having issues with crickets, ants, grasshoppers along with the occasional outbreak of mealies and scale. With dust it seems to be more thorough. I've used it in my outdoor beds and it worked well, dust seems to float in the air and settle easily on the undersides of plants.

Harvey, are you getting wetable orthene or is it available in liquid form?

In the large outdoor garden area we just made I've had to use Round Up for maintenance. I'm always amazed at the areas I miss and have to go back 4 or 5 days later and re-spray. I guess perhaps I'll try combining both methods, Dusting only the floor area and under the benches and see how that works for me. My main concern was protecting MYSELF as I put out the dust.

Ants are a big problem. They are farmers and carry sucking insects to orchids so they can eat the secretions. It sounds like you have a yard that needs treating. I would call a bug service to treat your entire property. Creating a high poison zone in the middle of an infested yard is not to your best health.

In the past I would do all the bug stuff myself. But now there are invasive ants of a few varieties that are much more difficult. At best they can be controlled and can not be eliminated. They came from different parts of the world through the port of Miami. The downside to globalization.

LOL! Harvey, my 'yard' is 2 acres surrounded by another approx 80 acres of hay fields. That land is surrounded by another 80 plus acres of woodland, stock tanks and even a creek. So you can see my situation is not simple when it comes to eradication of pests. We work continually using beneficial nematodes when weather is good for that and my husband has an arsenal of chemicals for when they are needed. The hay fields will be cut and baled in a few weeks, then we really get an onslaught of insects. That's what I'm really trying to get prepared for right now.

What about those bug bombs they use to fumigate homes, do they make them for greenhouses?

Rather than a concentrated poison barrier, perhaps talstar a branded poison that is used for yards. Create a barrier say 40 or 50 feet in any direction from your house and orchids.

I will read some labels on big bombs and also lookup Talstar. Thanks for the input.

Isn't pyrethrum a repellant as well? That might make a pretty safe barrier.

Sheila, I wouldn't use a dust indoors no matter how careful. Even with a mask, it will settle on your skin and clothing.It will remain on the surfaces and move each time you move around inside or the wind blows. I would never use it.

Not sure what you are trying to kill, but I use an organic pest control and I believe he uses Diatomaceous Earth as a barrier around my lanai and property. It took care of a lot of bugs, I no longer get ants anymore inside the lanai. No roaches or grasshoppers. I'm amazed that in 4 years I have not had any insects (except thrips, aphids and scale) or slugs affect my plants.

My major issues are fungal and thrips.

As I said, this company states they are organic and come quarterly. No bug problems inside or out.

I think dust is dangerous in an enclosed space.

Jane

Jane, my DH also said I can't get inside and dust. He's going to help and put a barrier type product all around the GH and I'm still looking at bombs in case I find that I still have critters inside. There are bomb products available for in a GH.

What is DH?

Dear husband. And he really is a dear, just helped our son and son in law put together a new GH for me!

We will need pictures and a new thread for the GH!

How about planting some deterrent plants. Ants don't like mint and a few insects are repelled by garlic. Chrysanthemums and marigolds can also help. I'm sure there are others I'm not thinking of.