How susceptible are orchids to insect problems, and what measures can people use in there homes to control insects?

Well #1 there are not so many pests that will attack orchids-some of the ones that are certainly known:

Mealy bugs are the most common problem with orchids

Scale is related to the mealy bugs, that can be a problem too

Aphids can be a problem.

If you are growing orchids in your home, apartment, or office space-you had better not be using any insect poisons at all because they could make you very seriously ill as a result.

Instead of insect poisons you might want to use isopropyl alcohol which is also known as rubbing alcohol. Use it just the way it is no water added to it, and brush on to a leaf to kill insects.

It leaves no residue behind and once it’s evaporated it will never hurt the plant-certainly won’t hurt the user.

Another thing that is nonpoisonous is to use ¼ teaspoon of mineral oil, a few drops of dish soap, and a ½ gallon of water. The oil is spread over the entire plant and all the leaves and flowers and all of the plants.

The oil tends to clog the breathing spiracles of all kinds of insects. That is very effective and it is non poisonous to the plant and to the user.

The mineral oil solution should be used only once every couple of weeks-you do not want to big of a buildup on the plant-and the alcohol could be used as soon as you see anything.

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