Violet Bugs on Phal

[Aya]

Hi,

I recently noticed some violet colored spots on my orchid's flowers. With a closer look, I realized they are very tiny bugs with antennas. I'm also noticing that there are little white cottony-looking clusters on the stem and leaves, which I'm guessing are some sort of nests?

*Please see images below*

Does anybody know what I should do to rid the orchid of these pests? What should I purchase, and how can I prevent them from returning? (Also, what danger do these present to the plant?)

Thanks in advance!!

[ronaldhanko]

These are mealy bugs. You need something that will pentrate the waxy coat of these insects. You can kill them with a swab dipped in alcohol, but you need to rinse the alcohol off. An insecticidal soap like Safer's will also kill them, but you need to do a number of applications to make sure you get rid of them. They hide in crevices of the plant and even in the mix around the roots. I usually get as many as I can with my finger and then treat then get in the crvices with alcohol, and after rinsing it off, give them several treatments with Safer's soap. Keep the plant isolated as they quickly spread to other plants (watch the other plants carefully to make sure they haven't gotten them).

[Aya]

Thanks for the advice. I just tried the alcohol swabs you described, but am unable to get in some of the crevices as they are too tight. I'm also worried I'm missing a bunch because they are so tiny and easy to overlook. Is there a way to kill all at once, like a spray or something I can put in the plant's water?

Also, just for my information, is it Ok to wash the plant's flowers in water as you described?

Thank you again

[ronaldhanko]

You'll need to get any alcohol off the flowers, but may damage them with water also. I'm not much for chemical treatments, but it is possible you can find a systemic insecticide that is good for orchids - maybe you can find information on another thread. I'd use repeated applications of the insecticidal soap.

[ronaldhanko]

Here's alink that may help with suggestions besides those I've given: Mealybugs on Orchids