uh-oh - bugs!

Emmyloo · Post by **Emmyloo** » Wed May 14, 2008 10:27 am

Found this little beastie on my Astrophytum, and a couple of his relatives too - have taken them off and killed them, but what else can I do?

Peyote Pete · Post by **Peyote Pete** » Wed May 14, 2008 11:43 am

Yuck, mealies!!! Iann told me to take some systemic insecticide and dilute it, then poor it into the roots. The roots will take it into the stems, then the bugs drink it and die. I had a problem with some bugs, until I tried that. The next day the bugs were all gone. Way more effective than spraying them directly.

Emmyloo · Post by **Emmyloo** » Wed May 14, 2008 2:32 pm

Cool, any particular type of insecticide? And how much?

Peyote Pete · Post by **Peyote Pete** » Wed May 14, 2008 4:19 pm

I used Ortho Systemic Insect Killer. Formerly called Isotox. Local shop here sells it for $19.99, but it might be cheaper online, but factoring in shipping and/or tax, it might be better to get from a local shop.

Post by **daiv** » Wed May 14, 2008 6:24 pm

Emmyloo,
Don't spray the insecticide on the plant body as it will burn it in the sunlight. Systemics need to be absorbed into the plant and actually make the plant itself poison. It will take longer than a day to work unless your plant is growing wildly! While you are waiting for the systemic to kick in, you should blast the mealies off with a water hose. There is a certain degree of satisfaction in doing so.

Daiv

Emmyloo · Post by **Emmyloo** » Wed May 14, 2008 6:46 pm

Thats great, will try and pick some up tomorrow - if anywhere near me sells it!!!