Terrarium bark.. smells

[MiniMoth]

I've bought a large bag (22L) of terrarium bark, but now I'm a bit hesitant to use it for orchids.. How do I know that it's safe?

It looks well aged (maybe even too much - some pieces feel softish), but after opening the bag it still smells like pine.. The bag was airtight, so maybe it just needs airing?

Does anyone use this brand in Europe? This - Flamingo Bodemschors Terra Bark -

Description says "Hygroscopic non-toxic bark for terrariums. Without dyes or chemical additives. "

[Nexogen]

Probably, it contains chunky peat moss.
It is good for orchids and in same time is a magnet for fungus gnats.

[MiniMoth]

It's 100% bark.. and a few random chips of wood (easy to pick out).

2nd day the bag has been open. The woody smell seems to be going away. I already put 3 mini phals in it. It's less absorbent than I expected (and worried about). It's described as "Hygroscopic" and yet it dries overnight while still fresh.. looks like normal "orchid bark" in that respect.

(50 cents coin is the same size the quarter)



Btw, if I can pick just one pest to have at home, I'm taking fungus gnats
They are surely annoying but mostly harmless.

[Nexogen]

Fungus Gnats >> First Rays LLC