Is this scale in the pot?

[SundayGardener]

Hello,

I am fairly positive that I found scale on a few orchids, which I spot treated with rubbing alcohol (removing the scale). However, I have seen what looks like scale to me inside plastic pots. In the past, because the spots don't move, I decided they were bits and pieces of spaghnum moss. I've only seen these spots in pots that have pieces of spaghnum moss in the media. Now of course I am more suspicious and thinking that I need to repot.

I have seen spots like this shortly after repotting as well, which is another reason I didn't take them seriously.

Hopefully the pictures are clear enough for a verdict. They are basically well defined white spots with smooth edges, that to me look somewhat like a white seed hull or a dead insect or cast off shell of an insect.

[Dollythehun]

What does the underside look like when you pop them off?

[camille1585]

Looks like bits of sphagnum in the pot. You could always unpot one to have a closer look, and put your mind at ease.

[SundayGardener]

OK, so it could just be spaghnum! This is one of the reasons why I hate using it!

For the scale that was actually on the plants, when I wiped them off it was slightly gray (but that could also be dust, so...)

[rbarata]

You could use imidacloprid or thiacloprid. In a month they are all gone.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

What does the underside look like when you pop them off?

Good idea.

Pop one off with the point of a pocket knife.

Look with a magnifier. If it has legs etc.
underneath: scale.

[Dollythehun]

Thanks, OW. I have one occasionally.

[SundayGardener]

I did look at these kinds of spots last fall with a magnifier, but I didn't scrape them out). I did not see any legs or body parts at that time, but I thought these might be husks of a dead bug. Or bits of moss. I'll do an inspection. Would the legs be visible even if they are dead (do the little legs shrivel up and fall off or something)?

It could also be time for an annual chemical bath. I usually do that in the fall, in the basement.

[Dollythehun]

They'll look a little pink in the center and fuzzy around the edges, should pop right off.

[almiroty]

Originally Posted by rbarata

You could use imidacloprid or thiacloprid. In a month they are all gone.

i live in a highrise and my orchids are in the balcony with only a screen and glass doors separating the balcony from the living room.
i have scale in the balcony orchids. where can i buy imidacloprid or thiacloprid? how safe are they to use? i have pets.
tks!