Bugs or something

[garynail]

I recently noticed some very, very small bugs on the floor, on the window frame and on the stand where i have my orchids. I have various orchid species and the little things show up on all of them. they are so small it's hard to notice them. i don't have anything to magnify them and have used the vacuum to remove what i can. Any idea what they are and how i contol them?

garynail

[Tobi]

Garynail,
Are the bugs in the medium only or are they on the leaves and flowers. Do
they fly or crawl and what color are they? All this would be helpful for an ID.

[fred]

A pic of the bugs would be even better

[garynail]

the bugs are on the plants although not in great numbers and they are on the window sill, the table the orchids are sitting on and the floor. they are the size of a pencil tip and in looking at them under a "not so good" magnifying glass they look rust or brown in color. I'm not getting a very good look at them however since my spy glass isn't very powerful. I doubt a picture is possible because of the size. the planst have never been outside but several new plants have been introduced since early spring.

garynail

[garynail]

Also they seem to stay in one spot. Not moving around but increase in numbers as time goes on.

[kmarch]

Is there any webbing around the plants? I'm wondering if they could be spider mites. If they are, a good insecticidal soap should clear them up, applied as per directions.

Many orchid hobbiests keep a new plant seperate from the rest of their plants for a few weeks to see if any invaders have accompanied the plant. It might be somethign to consider next time you make an addition.

[fred]

Important Note On Quarantining for Newbies

[garynail]

I see no webbing on any of the plants. Is it normal for these little critters to be able to move from the plants to window sills which are 8 inches away.

garynail

[kmarch]

Without knowing what kind of bug they are how can we say what's normal? Besides, their moving from plant to windowsill probably isn't important. What is important is any effects they are having on your plants.

Are the leaves showing any signs of being marked (as by a sucking insect) or wilting?

Are your plants in bloom and if so, do you find bugs in the flowers or are the flowers showing any signs of damage?

I strongly recommend buying the American Orchid Society's book on orchid pests and diseases. The book is cheap (less than $20 I think). and worth it if it saves one of yoru plants. While you're waitign for your book to arrive (their shipping is quick and efficient) get some Safer's Insecticidal Soap and give all of your plants a spray (assuming you dont' have any especially tender or unique orchids - Safer's Soap is find for the most commonly grown varieties).

Click here to order the book from Amazon.com