Question
Wayne, you had recommended Bonide Eight for use on my orchids before I brought them into the house for the cold winter months.  I used that and had also repotted about half of the orchids due to broken down media.  I did not have any problems with pests indoors this past winter.  I thank you for that advice.  Now I have taken all my dendrobiums and a few cattleyas outdoors and wondered if I should treat them with the same Bonide spray even though I don't see any pests yet.  And if I do use that product, how often do you recommend that I spray?  Thank you in advance for your great advice.

Answer
Corrine, pleased that it worked well for you.  It is not generally recommended that insecticides be used preventatively.  I suspect that, for those arguing this practice, the concern is that overuse of the insecticide could result in resistance to it (same argument as is forwarded for antibiotics). When you are ready to bring them inside for the winter, I recommended a careful check and, if you see any of these critters at that time, you should spray.