Possible pest on Odontocidium...

[lambo1972]

Hello all! I have a large Odontocidium Wild Willie Pacific Bingo. A month or so ago, I noticed a lot of the dead roots appear to be eaten back by something. I do not have a picture, but I'm pretty sure it's happening. I do not see any other signs outside of the dead/dry roots that were hanging out off the pot have been shortened by something. I doesn't appear the live roots have been touched. Could it just be a bug of some kind that has moved on as it seems to have stopped. I have read a lot about snails, but many mention holes in leaves and flowers. That hasn't happened in this case, just the dead roots are affected. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[Ray]

Slugs and snails typically leave a bit of a slime trail, making them more easily identifiable. Roaches and other insects can go to town on exposed roots.

[lambo1972]

Thank you! I have been doing some research on orchid pests. It doesn't seem to be snails, slugs, or any of the other usual suspects like mealy bugs, aphids, etc. no signs of anything like slime trails or other indicators. My guess is roaches or other insects. I will keep my eye out. It's one of my favorite orchids and is putting out some beautiful flowers with more on the way on a second spike...

Originally Posted by Ray

Slugs and snails typically leave a bit of a slime trail, making them more easily identifiable. Roaches and other insects can go to town on exposed roots.

[Roberta]

Bush snails eat roots (especially the tender growing tips) and don't leave slime trails. They're tiny. But if you see anything that looks like teensy "flying saucers" that's what they look like. Search the forum for "bush snail" and remedies (like coffee.. regular snail baits don't work against them)

[estación seca]

Are you keeping it inside or outside? Squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, neighborhood cats....

[lambo1972]

Indoors….guess I should have said that first. Heres a pics of the roots that look eaten back. There are others, but it seems to have stopped. When its done flowering, I will likely repot…

[Roberta]

Those look munched by something fairly large. Not bush snails.