Phal. roots nibble by creature?

[Yourneedfulthings]

My phalaenopsis root tips have been nibble by unidentify creature. Any new green tip root that sticks out of the pot eventually gets bitten off inside my greenhouse.
I only see this happening on phals. that are in plastic pots sitting on a bench. Many others in creamic baskets hanging about the bench are untouched, but they do not have as many aerial roots exposed.

During summer I leave the doors open with a screen because in NC the heat is intense. I do get crickets and grasshoppers inside sometimes, but I have not seen any for a couple of months.
Any clues, control advice please?

[PaphMadMan]

Several possibilities... mice, cockroaches, earwigs, snails, slugs. I'm sure that list is not exhaustive. If it is more than just the green tip, mice are the most probable of that list.

Control for mice - traps. For the others - diatomaceous earth.

[Yourneedfulthings]

Thank you. I had roaches before and they may be back with the cold weather.
Question: does diatomaceous earth takes long time to be effective? Do I sprinkle it on the floor?
I do not like the idea of getting it into my lungs.
Does boric acid works on other than roaches?