Comment by amer chohan on January 30, 2013 at 6:14am

Idaho! apllying any acid one must keep in mind the concentration levels. Vinegar usually works without harm because it already have mixing. Two years ago I used Sulphuric Acid for scale insects. It killed the insects but harmed some plants too. Most of Fungicides are also notrious for the reason. Hydrogen Peroxide 10% is the best solution in my experience.

Comment by Joan Denoo on January 30, 2013 at 3:50pm

According to Getting rid of fruit-flies in orchards

"Fruit flies are real pests in the fruit orchard garden as they lay their eggs in ripening fruit. These eggs become worms that eventually spoil the fruit.

"There are many ways to get rid of fruit flies."

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Matthew1381/My%20Fruit%20Gard...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Matthew1381/My%20Fruit%20Gard..."

Go to the site for their suggestions, which seem to be only partially effective. In the end, they spray the whole tree at the right time to not damage developing fruit. The urge to wash fruit before eating if trees have been sprayed. I don't have fruit trees so have no personal advice. 

Comment by Joan Denoo on January 30, 2013 at 3:52pm

Amer, thank you for the "Hydrogen Peroxide 10%" suggestion. That makes more sense. I don't like chemicals in my garden either. That is why I suggested the bottle method, at least the chemical is controlled and away from birds and bees. 

Comment by Sentient Biped on January 30, 2013 at 6:58pm

I use neem oil.  It's available in most garden centers and via internet.  Neem is a tropical plant oil that helps with insects and fungal disease.  I think it works great.

One thing to watch for with orchids is make sure they are not too wet.  If the moss or bark is soggy, that can cause flies and rot.  

Outdoors I encourage beneficial insects, using a variety of blooming plants like mints, alyssum, and others.  I think it helps.  

Comment by Joan Denoo on January 31, 2013 at 12:08am

Chris, I am so sorry, I read orchard instead of orchid. Dumb me. 

Comment by Joan Denoo on January 31, 2013 at 12:24am

Spud, I didn't know you could use vinegar that way. I just assumed it kills on touch. But washing it off before it can penetrate the leaves and only touch fungus and pests makes sense. Thanks. 

Comment by Joan Denoo on January 31, 2013 at 12:38am

Sentient, I agree, Neem oil works.

Here is a list I go to for quick reference: 

List of repellent plants - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_repellent_plantsShare

This is a list of repellent plants. These are plants which repel insects, plants, or other pests like nematodes, fungi, or animals through natural organic chemical

Comment by Chris Breman on January 31, 2013 at 1:08am

That makes me dream of my own livingroom orchard, Joan, impossible but a nice image!

Comment by Idaho Spud on January 31, 2013 at 9:34am

Joan, I have heard vinegar can kill plants, so it may not be a good idea.

Comment by amer chohan on January 31, 2013 at 10:34am

It is not that bad, only concentration of acid should not be very high. To be absolutly sure that it is harmless to the plant, a little water can be added to further lower the concentration.

A one leaf test before actual treatment could also be beneficial.

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