Bite/chew marks on Sharry Baby's new growth?

[ramonypony]

I've noticed there are what look like little munch holes on one of my Sharry Baby's young pbulbs leaves. What could do this? I've never had pest problems before. But since it's warmed up this spring I have noticed a lot of little gnat things flying around in my orchid windows and they're very annoying but I hadn't noticed any damage to any of my orchids until now. Could the gnats have done this? What should I do?

[Brooke]

Fungus gnats would not do this damage. Have you seen any bush snails or caterpillars on the plant?

Brooke

[Vanda lover]

I agree. It looks like slug, snail or caterpillar.

[Daethen]

Not gnats, but they are sure annoying. If you put a small glass/saucer of apple cider vinegar with a bit of water and a couple drops of dish soap you will capture a lot of gnats over night.

[Vanda lover]

That's a good tip.

[tarev]

Agree, not the gnats...check if you have slugs..those are the vicious monsters I really hate, and they do that..it just gnawed recently on my Onc Dancing Lady spike grrrr!

[ramonypony]

Thanks everyone. I guess there could be a snail/slug creature in there. This plant was very root bound when I got it and I couldn't separate all the tight roots near the top without breaking them so I just wiggled out as much old medium as I could and potted up a size. Maybe there was something hiding in there. Should I re-repot and check for pests? The plant is finally showing new root growth in the pot and has 4-5 baby pbulbs so I'd hate to disturb it.

[kindrag23]

what about a natural and safe bug killer like bayer with neem oil in it smells ungodly but it should be safe for your plants, I know I use it on my babies and it keeps the bugs at bay and it should not hurt your pets if you have any.

[RHF]

If you haven't replace the media, I would. Both slugs and snails will hide in roots. The rounder the hole, the more likely it is a slug or snail. I have had grasshoppers and katydids chew on new growth but they tend to be more random (but equally or more distructive).