Spider infestation - Orchid Board

lzel924 · #1 10-21-2017, 05:26 PM

I purchased a cattleya orchid a week ago at an orchid show and noticed today TONS of tiny white/gray spider looking things. I thought they were ants but their color and the way they move seems like spiders. I repotted the orchid and got rid of as much of the moss as possible but is there anything I can spray on the roots to get rid of these once and for all?

rbarata · #2 10-21-2017, 05:58 PM

Is it possible for you to post a photo?
Or it's difficult to see?

jkofferdahl · #3 10-21-2017, 06:24 PM

If they are spider mites you have a problem. If just spiders, you likely don't. So yes, pics would help. If they ARE spider mites you will need to go to war. War will include use of a systemic insecticide.

Frankly, if I somehow bought an infested plant I would return it to the vendor and with the added bonus of numerous and choice words.

lzel924 · #4 10-21-2017, 06:44 PM

I tried to get a photo but they're so small and fast its impossible. However, in getting a closer look and googling it appears they are "ghost ants." they're clear with a dark head. repotting got rid of a ton but I am afraid thats only temporary and am hoping to treat the roots with something, any suggestions? Trust me I am furious as this is my first Cattleya and my first orchid show, unfortunately the vendor lives 4 hours away so I'm not sure I have much of an option except to treat my beautiful, blooming orchid! HELP!

rbarata · #5 10-21-2017, 07:15 PM

If you can see them then it's not spider mites.
These are, probably, good news!

Roberta · #6 10-21-2017, 08:26 PM

A dunk (pot and all) in water with dish soap added should get most of what's in the media. Repeat in a few days, and then again a few days after that.

otismcCord · #7 10-25-2017, 07:21 AM

There are different methods which are helpful in getting rid of these house spiders. Spiders are the creatures which can be found in homes every where. If you see spiders somewhere wipe out that place. Use vacuum cleaner for this purpose. If you see the spiders in your home then it means there are other insects in your home too because spiders feed on other insects.

katrina · #8 10-25-2017, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzel924

I tried to get a photo but they're so small and fast its impossible. However, in getting a closer look and googling it appears they are "ghost ants." they're clear with a dark head. repotting got rid of a ton but I am afraid thats only temporary and am hoping to treat the roots with something, any suggestions? Trust me I am furious as this is my first Cattleya and my first orchid show, unfortunately the vendor lives 4 hours away so I'm not sure I have much of an option except to treat my beautiful, blooming orchid! HELP!

Repotting usually does the trick but if you're still seeing a few...pick up some ant baits. They work every time! I use the Terro baits but there are several kinds and most work really well. The ants feed/drink and then carry the toxins back to the colony...wiping out the entire colony. It takes a couple/few weeks but it works really well.

If you have pets/kids...just make sure to put the baits in an area where they kids/pets can't get them. In my set up, the kitties can walk on the shelves so I usually place an empty pot over the bait thingee so only the ants can gain access. Problem solved!