Hmmmm I thought that malathion was more for spraying things and were
not as effective for scale/mealy-bugs because both have a waxy coating
that prevented them being wetted and hence picking up the poison. I
think the actual toxin is the same, or at least the same family - i.e.
anticholinesterase. From what I understand of biology (not much)
cholinesterase is the stuff used to transfer nerve impulses from one
nerve cell to the next, the poison in rogor/malathion/di-systron
interferes with this so it acts like a "nerve gas"
>Another cure for scale insects and relatives is a special kind of
>mineral oil. I did not dare to use it so far......;-) ....but I know
>several people who told me they use it with good success.
>
Yeah, it's normally called "white oil" and is quite effective in
killing scale. My SO uses it on her Cymbidium orchids, I have no
experience with anything more delicate.
-- Brett Lymn, Computer Systems Administrator, AWA Defence Industries
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"Also, it takes a lot longer to get up North ..... The slow way"
- "Clever Trevor" Ian Drury