What type of insect is this?

[maxciocc]

Since we are on the topic of infestations, I was re-potting a Phal and noticed several silvery insects underneath the fir bark. They were especially noticeable under flourescent lights. I did not notice any leaf damage, such as spots caused by mites. Can Neem Oil be used to treat this should more show up?

Gregg C.

[Dave]

Hi Greg, I don't have a picture to go on, but your insect could possibly be "Mealybug", they look like white / silver powdery blobs of cotton wool and suck the leaves and leave a sticky sap that attracts ants and also black fungus. They also like to hide on the undersides of my phalaenopsis! I would try neem oil or a simple insecticidal soap solution.