Can you repot while in Sheath?

[Cattleya17]

Hey i have a Problem with bark! My Cattleya has been in it for 2 years now and its bloomed before and has one emerging sheath and two new growths on the way. The bark is breaking down. The ants love to make nests in my orchids planted in bark which is why i now grow everything in Lava.

But this one started producing a sheath so i left it in the bark, I am worried it will abort anything if i do. but i cant bring an ant nest into the house. what should i do???

I did what was suggested in the pest forum which was to completely submerge the plant in water for a couple of hours or more, i did it for three. Guess i didn't get them all.
Please get back to me.