Bugs on dendrobium

[Lorraine]

The little things that run like ants might be thrips. They look black, are fast and hide quicker than an ant. They will cause a lot of damage esp. on flowers and buds. They suck out what they want and kill the bud and disfigure vanda roots, flowers and many other flowers. Orthene is the best to keep them away along with other pests. I get them frequently thought the year because there are ficus hedges close by (not mine). Gardenia also attracts these nasty buggers.