orchids with bite marks

[linsoo]

Hi there

My orchids have been outside for the summer and doing very well. However I have just noticed some bite marks on them. I have some listerine i was going to spray the roots with when I repot them to bring them in, should I spray them with that now? or any other suggestions.
Thanks for your help.
Linsoo

[Tom_in_PA]

I have a chipmunk that visits my orchids whe nthey are outside and loves the taste of my Dendrobium lichenastrum.

If it is only one plant they like unstead of bringing them inside early move it to a location the ycnnot reach. Also I make a hot pepper spay for the plants and spray it on the leaves to deter them from taking bites (actually nibbles) from the leaves.

[linsoo]

Thanks Tom but we don't have chipmunks in this area so I don't think it's that. What do you think about spraying listerine?

[cb977]

As much as I love Listerine as an antiseptic, I don't think it will help with critters chewing on the plants...they'll just get fresh breath!

Sorry...couldn't help myself

[kiki-do]

I don't think listerine will deter the critters. Perhaps vinegar and soapy water mix for the leaves???? Not really sure, though.
I once did an internet search for a homemade deer repellent and it had vinegar, hot sauce, soap, and water I think. Not sure how that would work on orchids leaves, but it did repel animals when I sprayed it on my flower garden leaves.

[linsoo]

Thanks Kiki, use a mix of vinigar and soapy water to clean the house so maybe I'l just use that!

[CoolPhrog]

I have had a similar problem with my plants I had hanging from a fence...leaves being bitten if not eaten altogether! Bulbs eaten like apples! Roots new and old - GONE! plants taken off the hangers and dumped on the ground and shredded it was like someone had fixed a darn salad!...I've had tropical storms and hurricanes do less damage!!! I found the culprits....squirrels (and possibly mice)...I bought a sling shot!

The only thing I could do was to move the plants off the fence and put them on hangers in the middle of my side yard...squirrels and mice (as well as rats and some types of roaches, and crickets) all love to eat tender little green growths...leaves and spikes! Anyone got a fly swatter?

[cb977]

I went out to take pictures of one of my large Dens with numerous spikes...only to find every single bud missing!



If I catch the little bugger, it's nothing a shoe can't handle

[CoolPhrog]

you'll have to smell his breath...see if it's minty ROFL

[cb977]