That is what I have heard! I have also been told that asian scale from Thailand gets down in the dirt and feeds on the roots of the sago palm and has devastated many expensive old sagos. I have not just a financial investment but an emmotional attachment to all of my plants and do the best I can to keep them alive! A very helpful plant chemical vendor on e-bay is sunshinehope who also grows orchids. If you do a search on E-bay for Orthene she is one of the vendors and is SUPER! ~L~

While that might be true, Lyn, I'm not sure that applies to the average orchid grower here. I personally think clean growing conditions will help prevent or control most plant diseases and insects. My biggest headache is plants from untrustworthy growers. I have purchased from growers that are big advertizers only to watch every one of them secumb to virus, mildew, scale, mealy bugs, etc. My most recent Hawaiian purchase was a disaster. I am still trying to nurse a few orchids through diseases.

Hawaiin Plants
 

I guess I have really been lucky so far!:biggrin: Part of my luck has been because I am growing around my pool and bringing them in and out due to weather. I look at them from all angles so I keep all of the old leaves cleaned up and watch for any problems while I am snooping to see if there are any spikes or buds coming.:lol: I am sorry you are having bad luck with Hawaiin plants.:hmm Mine have been SUPER!:blushing: My sister grows orchids in EWA Beach and says the weather there is awesome!:nod: I just hope the pesticide I used on the Asian sago scale works because I do not want it to spread to my orchids!:(( I hope the screened in enclosure keeps them out.:_( Beleave me I am watching!:shock: :_

Keep borax handy to fight any fleas that might make their way into your carpeting. Sprinkle the borax onto the carpet and work it in. Leave it there for 24 hours then vacuum and throw out the vacuum bag.

I buy the Bioganic brand of organic pest powder and spray. The powder is awesome! It's made from cloves and I use it in my pantry. It's even food safe! :) They also make an insect spray that should control any stray roaches and ants. It takes a little longer to kill the critters than chemical spray but it does work.
pest control