Thrips in cattleyas orchids

[Merita]

I have a plague of thrips in my orchids, which insecticide advise me? This started in the phalaenopsis and it is affecting the cattleyas that are opening. In several years that took cultivating them, is the first time that I face this insect, I passed two years ago by mites but I think these are worse, please help me.

[SaraJean]

Orthene (Acephate) Is what I have always used on thrips. It’s usually labeled as a fire ant killer and widely available. You can find it at any Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, ect... Here is an article about dealing with them
https://staugorchidsociety.org/PDF/T...ySueBottom.pdf

[Merita]

Thank you very much Sara Jean, tomorrow I will buy the Orthene. Here there has been much dry and it seems that this increased the plague. It's been raining for two days, I hope the water will help me too, as long as it does not fall too much and then bring other diseases worse. Greetings.

[Merita]

Sara Jean, sorry to bother you again but the insecticide only find it in powder, is there any equipment to apply it, that I can buy? I appreciate your help, greetings.

[IngieBee]

Do the instructions say you can mix with water? Some of the dry powders get mixed with water...?

[SaraJean]

There should be mixing instructions on the back of the jar. I think it’s something like 2/3 teaspoons per gallon of water (don’t quote me on that, read the label first). I just mix it up in one of those hand held pump sprayers that you can find in the lawn care and pesticide section, and spray away. The spayers are just oversized squirt bottles

[Roberta]

When mixing the powder, a few drops of liquid dish detergent will help emulsify it so that it doesn't clump and clog the sprayer. I use a bit of soap with liquid pesticides (which contain oils) as well. Does no harm (may even drown a few bugs), and can help spread the solution.

[Merita]

It does not bring levels to mix, it just says to pulverize the mounds of ants and plants, and not to water for the moment. I make the mixture of 2/3 teaspoon in a gallon of water with some soap?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Merita

It does not bring levels to mix, it just says to pulverize the mounds of ants and plants, and not to water for the moment. I make the mixture of 2/3 teaspoon in a gallon of water with some soap?

Try googling the manufacturer's website to see if you can find any more information. I would not want to guess on the correct levels. If the website doesn't help, try searching on "Orthene wetable powder"