Anyone know what does this? - Orchid Board

TeresaE · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 10:08 PM

These little critters, honest to god look like little red ants but nobody seems to know what they are. They are doing this to all my leaves....veeeeeery frustrated.

Help!!

Barbara · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 10:25 PM

This looks like spider mite damage. These are so small, they are barly preceivable by the naked eye. I can't see them in your picture, but that doesn't mean that their not there. Can you get a white paper and hold it under the leaves, then shake them to see if any drop off? Is there any similar signs of damage on your other orchids or houseplants?

TeresaE · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 10:36 PM

The only thing I can see are these little ant critters. Nothing comes off on paper so I am baffled. No other damage on my other houseplants. Just orchids in this one room.

Tindomul · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 10:51 PM

AHH!!! Mites! I would go and get some mite killer for orchids ASAP. They will kill those leaves pretty fast.

Barbara · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeresaE

The only thing I can see are these little ant critters. Nothing comes off on paper so I am baffled. No other damage on my other houseplants. Just orchids in this one room.

They may have already migrated elsewere. How long have you been treating them? The mite damage isn't reversible, but the phal will slowly grow new leaves over the damaged ones to hide them, but it will take a long time.

Tindo says that there is a spray just for the job. I would go look into this. Do NOT mix your sprays, and don't spray if the orchid room is over 85degrees of if there is sun on them.

Are they ants? If so they are probably 'farming' the mites. This isn't a good thing really.

TeresaE · #6 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 11:18 PM

I have been spraying them for weeks now. It does seem to be getting a little better. Some of the most damaged orchids seem to be growing new leaves as well so I haven't lost any yet but I have be trying a lot of different things. It's been a tough battle and is really ticking me off. My room isn't that warm and no direct sun. The Doktor Doom stuff I just purchased says it's for mites as well so we'll see how it goes.

Barbara · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2007, 11:19 PM

Also try wiping a white tissue over the leaves to see if there are any red smears, a sign of mites.
Ants are also attracked to the sticky substance that scale insects leave in their wake. They also like aphids and mealybugs

TeresaE · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2007, 12:56 AM

Only other pest I have is Scale, but I have them pretty much under control. I constantly check the leaves and make sure I clean them off if I find any. Man I hate them almost as much. Haven't had aphids yet (knock on wood) and mealybugs are a definite no.

mnh3281 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-08-2007, 08:35 AM

I have to agree that it is mite damager. I had that happen to one of my masdevallias and the leaves looked very similar to that. I used a dilute alcohol solution on a cotton ball and wiped down the leaves, and then used an insecticidal soap, which worked very well for controlling them. I also have had to deal with some scale, and now it is under control. I agree, it's a pain to deal with too! good luck!

Ross · #10 (**permalink**) 01-08-2007, 09:25 AM

The really effective spray for mites is one of the registered miticides such as Kelthane. They are hard to find as they are pretty toxic. All of the mixed spays that say they control mites only reduce the populations - not elliminate them. They are targetted for crops and other annuals where the plant only has to survive the season. Do a search for miticide or kelthane and see what comes up. By the way, the mites probably aren't gone, just between populations - eggs still probably exist and anothe population may apear. There are several good oils available for controll of scale. Try to find one that won't upset orchids.