What bug is this?

[jay]

I think it is mites, but I want to make sure. It is only on one plant that has been kept away from all of my others.

If it is on the other side of the room, can this spread to the other orchids?

What do you think would be best to kill these little monsters.

Jay

[Anton]

A mealy bug !

Hope you zapped it quickly ?

I would place the pot in water just over the potting mix and leave it for about an hour to flush them out of the mix. Then you can treat the soil to kill any remaining eggs.

As I live in Oz, I'll leave it up to the locals there to tell you what is available to do it.

[jay]

The plant is potted S/H. I have only seen the bugs on the flowers and the spike. I have not seen any on the leaves or the P.bulbs. Would you still do the same?

Jay

[Ak_Orchid]

YES, you want to kill them, and kill them fast. I had these destroy a couple of my phals. They love the blooms, but they'll go after the plant as well. Definitly treat the plant and keep it away from other plants.

[Anton]

They lay their eggs in the potting mix, that's why you have to take drastic action.......NOW !

[mayres]

Those little buggers can be REALLY persistant - it REQUIRES - YOU - to be MORE persistant. Everything Anton says it true! I second it.........

[jay]

I will stop by the store on my way home from work tomorrow. None of the other orchids are showing any signs of mealybugs, so I think it will be ok. This particular orchid never came in contact with the other orchids.

Any suggestions as to the best mealy killer. Wish me luck.

Jay

[mayres]

Bayer Rose and Flower Spray in ready to use spray bottle will do the trick - approx. $5 - but you will need to stay with it on a weekly basis for 3-4 weeks to make certain any coming little ones are also finished off.