New medium damp and has bugs - should I repot into it?

[Julia]

Complete beginner here. I was about to repot my phalaenopsis, so I opened the bag of medium which I was going to use. The bag had some damp inside and there are small pale grey insects crawling all over it. My instinct is to throw it away as these insects are really revolting and I don't want to repot into a nest of I don't know what. Also, the mix seems to have some moss in it, which is in tiny pieces, whereas at the moment it is in plain bark. I seem to remember someone suggesting pouring boiling water over new medium and leaving for 24 hours - do people do this if there are these bugs?

[Julia]

Just read Cookiemonster's thread about insects in new orchids - they sound like the insects my new medium had. I have thrown it out and will get new medium.

[cb977]

Good idea, Julia

I think that by starting out with contaminated mix, you would have been creating a future problem for yourself.

[priz_m]

I would throw it out too Julia, better safe than sorry

[Ross]

Not only would I throw it away, I would never buy from that source again! Don't mean to mean, but there is absolutely no excuse for bugs in properly handled and treated order medium. There are lots of reputable dealers in UK and elsewhere, and there is no need to settle for contaminated product. Sorry for the rant

[Julia]

Thanks, guys! Off to buy bug-free medium

[cloudswinger]

You've probably thrown it away already, but I boil my mixes anyway, and that'll kill any bugs. It can be a bit messy, so don't use your favorite cooking pots.

[Julia]

Really - boil all mixes?! Gosh. Makes sense, though, just in case. I haven't repotted yet and will definitely boil the mix. Thanks for that!