I addition I would look for the ants that are probably the culprits
responsible for spread the mealies around. Mealybugs don't usually move too
far or too fast on their own. Young mealies can be quickly "sown" throughout
an entire collection in a short time by ants. I've seen it happen even
indoors. I think it pays to make absolutely certain that ants are not a
player in this scene. It's very discouraging to take the time and effort to
"eradicate" the mealybugs only to find them completely reinfested a month or
2 later.
Gary

"Ray" wrote in message
...
I would be wary of using a household "bomb" on a collection of plants.
They are designed to kill bugs in structures, not plant collections.

I would use a two-step approach: Orthene WP as a knock-down, immediate
killer (it is also systemic, so will have some residual action), then
Enstar II, an insect growth regulator, which prevents maturation - hence
reproduction - to rid the collection of the critters entirely.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!
.
"Noochka One" wrote in message
. ..
Hi all,

I'm new to the group so if this question has been recently asked and
answered, please excuse me: Has anyone tried using a commercial "bug
bomb" such as Raid or Black Flag to treat insect infestations on large
numbers of plants? My collection of paphs has become infested with
mealbugs and nothing I use seems to be having any effect. Can anyone
offer any insight or suggest another method of treating these critters
in bulk?