Tiny Bugs in Potting Medium

[ldk]

Have just moved my orchids back outside after being in/out, in/out all winter -a cold winter in Orlando.

Just noticed after watering a phal that the medium is LOADED with tiny bugs - don't know what they are but they scurry around like ants and seem to be carrying something on their backs like ants while trying to escape the water. There are hundreds of them. Not knowing what to do, I used ant spray on the outside of the pot as they scurried to dry land - at the same time I sprayed water on the plant and potting medium. The plant is in spike and bud and doing very well otherwise.

I am a newbie and don't have a clue where to go from here and will appreciate all input. I have not yet seen a similar problem on the other plants, but am concerned as they live very closely together. The only other addition I can think of is today is a very warm day in Orlando and it seems whatever these bugs are, they may have just hatched due to the warm air.

Thanks so much.


Laura, 3 Phals, 1 Den

[LouisW]

Sounds like ants. Just flush it out with some water mixed with a few drops of dish soap, or water with cinnamon extract and see if that helps. If its ants they may be hard to get out but that should take care of other things. If that doesnt work head to the nearest nursury and see if they have something harsher that wont harm the plant. Good luck!

[Tommyr]

Maybe ants, springtails or soil mites. Springtails or soil mites feed on organic matter in the soil and don't really harm the plants. Keep the soil surface on the dry side.