Battle with spider mites continues + thoughts on Listerine with orchids
Like 3 Dislike 0 Published on 21 Aug 2015
Well just when I thought I got rid of spider mites, a damn Phalaenopsis goes and infects my Bulbophyllum. It's my fault, I should have treated all my orchids, not just the ones I thought were affected.
In any case, what I do now is use a lot of dishsoap in 2 l of water, maybe 3 table spoons or more. This really seems to work if you are consistent. I am proud to say my nobiles are rid of mites for 4-5 months already with soap and showers only, really no mites at all. However, my laziness lead to reinfections, so learn from my mistakes. So from now, even in winter time, weekly showers to ALL of my orchids, soap included.
I also mix some alcohol in this mixture, just to give it more strength. Speaking of alcohol, you guys suggested I use Listerine with pests and stuff. I found the video that suggests Listerine is good, see it here https://youtu.be/5MnhjfVigkY
Looking over the composition of Listerine it's obvious why it works, it's mainly alcohol and water, plus some minute quantities of some other things like menthol and eucalyptol. The alcohol alone is enough to kill pests, as per Brad's suggestion it does wonders on aphids really. Anything dies in alcohol so, bottom line is it's just an expensive alcohol if you want to use it in this respect, I'd rather not spend the money for that, alcohol is loads cheaper. Here's the composition of Listerine https://www.listerine.com/mouthwash/antiseptic/listerine-original-mouthwash
So there we go, I hope I manage to get rid of the mites before I move out, I am forced to take drastic action no matter what. I know it's possible to get rid of them, some orchids are perfectly cured now with no additional treatment, the only thing that can harm is my neglect, but no more! :)
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