Something is eating my orchid roots!

[adalberto09]

Hi everyone. Something has been eating my new orchid roots for quite some time (Vandas, Phals, Catts). I've always thought that the lizards are what's doing it. I asked for advice from someone that knows WAY more than me and he says that insects are what does this. He told me to use Malathion. My question is, what's the best time to use it and should I fertilize the same day, next day or a couple of days later?

[Ray]

Things like roaches are notorious for eating roots.

Spraying malathion will only kill whatever you hit with it, and treating the plants will do little, if anything.

However, to answer your question, there is nothing wrong with mixing it with the fertilizer.

[adalberto09]

Hi Ray thanks for replying.

When you say "mixing it in with the fertilizer", do you literally mean mix it with the fertilizer or spray before or after the fertilizer?

Also if roaches could be what's eating the roots, what do you recommend I use?

[ALToronto]

Could also be snails/slugs or fungus gnat larvae. Aereal roots are also tasty to aphids, although I don't think they go into the medium. I don't think that Malathion is effective against all of them. I would try a beer-and-dish soap trap first, just to find out who the culprits are, then choose the appropriate remedy.

[james mickelso]

Malathion will kill all insects. Mites need a mitecide. Snails need snail bait. Reptiles don't eat roots for the most part. Any pictures for us?