What is this bug nestled at every flower notch?
 

Hello! I came to a scary realization today at the former location of each phal orchid flower there were these tiny white, fuzzy bugs. It took me about a million pictures to get a close picture of the bugs. Are these the dreaded mealy bugs on the orchids? I just repotted these (and posted pictures on this board with questions on repotting) and I didn't look close enough to notice they were these bugs. My bf and I have looked under every leaf and at the visible roots and don't see any of them except at the notches where the flowers once were. I have since trimmed both the stems but I wonder if I should use a insecticide on each? They both are doing so well after the repot, do I need to repot again? UGH! Now, I see why all the flowers fell off at the store. I am hoping I can cure these because they are my little buddies. :( :(

I've never seen them in real life, but from what I've seen here in the past my guess is Mealy Bugs.

It might be worth searching for help on that, I'm afraid I can't remember the treatment.

sorry, i have no idea...but curious to find out

Guys, if it wasn't for my guy I could never get these pictures. He put them on a blue background to get a better view of them. It's interesting that they are only at each flower notch. Each of them had their own spot, just chilling. UGH! I'm so worried. I have had them separate (by a few rooms) from the other orchids from the beginning.

I think if I see more in a few days, I will repot. I just don't want them to spread to my other guys. Now, I have this creepy feeling of bugs crawling on me! Ugh.

they do look like mealy bugs :(

Individual bugs can be dabbed and removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol - I've only had to deal with a couple random mealy bugs, so not sure of the best course of action when there is an infestation, tho I am sure others will have advice for you. gl!

They look like mealies to me.

Don't hesitate, and spray them with straight 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol.

If it's a bad, general infestation, I highly recommend SucraShield.

Ray, would I just mist the whole orchid with it? Thanks.

Hey Ray,

Have you used SucraShield on mites yet, it's listed for mites, I'm curious to know how effective it might be.

Glen

Try not to get the 70% isopropyl alcohol on the plant's roots. Otherwise, hit those mealies dead :evil:

I like Sucracide but you can also use Orthenex which is at your local Home Depot.