Orchid Insect Pests

Nutrient-Sucking Pests

• Nutrient-sucking pests that attack orchids include whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs and scales. These pests use their mouthparts to suck the nutrients in orchid leaves. An easy way of detecting a nutrient-sucking pest problem is to feel the plant for a sticky substance. This sticky substance is referred to as honeydew, which is excreted by the insects. Gardeners may treat their orchids with a pesticide or insecticidal soap to treat their nutrient-sucking pest problem.

Caterpillars

• Caterpillars cause a lot of damage to leaves and orchid flowers. You can reduce their population by picking off caterpillars and dumping them in a bucket filled with soapy water. Furthermore, a pesticide that contains bacillus thuringiensis can be used to treat the caterpillar problems, according to the St. Augustine Orchid Society. Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacteria that kills caterpillars. Keep the area around your orchid plant free of leaves or other debris to avoid creating a hiding place.

Snails

• Snails are notorious insect pests that love eating orchid plants' roots, flowers and leaves. You can tell your orchid has been visited by snails from the jagged chewed areas on the plant. Gardeners must conduct population control at night because of snails' nocturnal feeding habits. Pick off snails and dump them in soapy water. A chemical bait can be used as long as the orchid plant is no where near pets. Snail bait is often poisonous to animals. A safe bait can be made using a tin filled with beer. Snails are attracted to the beer and drown, according to St. Augustine Orchid Society.

Cockroaches

• Cockroaches eat away at flowers, leaves and root systems. Stop cockroaches by mixing up a paste of sugar, boric acid and flour. Coat the surface of the pot with the mixture. Be careful about contacting the plant with the paste. Depending on your cockroach population, you may have to reapply the mixture several times to see a reduction in the numbers. For gardeners who worry about pets licking up the paste, place cockroach baits around your plant.