Pests or not?

[RoutineDisco]

How does everyone tell if their orchids actually have pests or if it’s just a harmless bug such as springtails, etc? Since most of my orchids come from a greenhouse most times when I get a new one they have some kind of bug in the medium. Oftentimes I see small bugs crawling around and so far I’ve been trying to kill them, but the other day I killed a springtail by accident which I’ve read is harmless or even beneficial to have in the medium.

The other day I killed a small mealybug, but it appeared after four weeks of quarantine and it was the only one I’ve seen in the group and I haven’t seen any signs since—is the plant still considered dangerous?

Do I really need to kill every bug I see or is it safe as long as the plant isn’t infested?

[Dalachin]

Unfortunately, where there is one mealybug, there are often more. And they do spread to other plants that are nearby— I would definitely keep that plant and any you got with it in quarantine for another 4 weeks. Or, you can commit to treating your whole collection if it comes to that. Mealybugs are a problem because they spread and reproduce quickly and affected plants decline and die if not treated.

As you’ve noted, there are lots of tiny beneficial insects that can live in soil. If it’s not doing any harm, you can leave them alone. Healthy media is alive with organisms.

[RoutineDisco]

Ok, I will definitely keep isolating that group of plants then. For other bugs, sounds like if it’s not an infestation I shouldn’t be worried? I’m mostly nervous about the introduction to the rest of my plants when quarantine is done.

[Roberta]

If the medium is old and broken down (which lends itself to bugs, both good and bad) consider repotting if you can safely do it - new growth and new roots, especially on types that are fussy. It's spring so more than not, they'll be entering the active growth phase anyway. Then, you can put them in a medium that works for your conditions, and you reduce the number of "visitors" that you introduce. Especially important if you are growing in an enclosed space.

[tmoney]

we keep a little magnifying glass in the grow room for looking closer at bugs (and flowers). it helps to take a pic of the bug if u can.

there's only like 4 types of pests to look out for, and after you've seen them once you know.

as far as quarantine times, that's up to you and how effective your treatments are. usually, it is best to leave a plant segregated for at least a couple weeks after you see the last bug. most likely they have laid eggs which can hatch the next generation.

best of luck with the bug war!