How do you get rid of small flying insects and bugs in a Phalaenopsis pot?

Your carefully grown Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) has just put out a flower spike, when suddenly a swarm of tiny flying insects appears on the surface of the potting mix, they fly up in a cloud the moment you water, and when you lean in close there is even a bit of a sour, foul smell? Today I will share my pest-control guide with you.

Step One: Physical Methods

Yellow sticky traps: buy a few sticky traps made for flowers and plants and simply stick them into the edge of the potting mix; you do not have to do anything else, and in a single day they will be densely covered with insects! Remember to choose ones with hooks; hanging them around the flower pot works even better.

Homemade sweet-and-sour trap: white sugar2spoons+white vinegar1spoon+dish soap1pump+half a bowl of clean water, stir well and put it in a small open dish, then place it next to the flower pot. The sweetness lures the insects, the white vinegar kills bacteria, and the dish soap keeps them from flying away - eco-friendly and money-saving!

Step Two: Chemical Methods

Low-toxicity spray: choose an eco-friendly insecticide made for flowers and plants; before spraying, put on a mask and gloves, move the plant to a well-ventilated spot on the balcony, and lightly spray a round over the surface of the potting mix and the undersides of the leaves - do not spray the petals! The adult insects will be reduced the same day.

Bury little white pills:The reason these tiny flying insects keep coming back is that there are insect eggs in the soil! Sprinkle a ring of little white pills containing dinotefuran on the surface of the potting mix; they will slowly seep in when you water, and can last4-8weeks, wiping out the insect eggs right in the cradle.

Step Three: Blocking at the Source 

Spread fine sand to prevent egg-laying:Spread a layer of fine sand1cmthick on the surface of the potting mix to stop these tiny flying insects from laying eggs in the soil! The sand also lets the potting mix dry out and re-wet faster, so the Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) roots are less likely to rot.

Keep it dry and well ventilated:Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) dislike stuffy, humid conditions, so do not water too often - wait until the surface of the potting mix is dry before watering, and open the windows for ventilation often, or set up a small fan to blow on it.

Hand-remove pests+isolation:If you find scale insects (mealybugs) on the leaves, pick them off with tweezers, then dip a cotton swab in alcohol and wipe down the roots once to kill all the eggs! If the infestation is severe, first move the plant to a corner to isolate it, so it does not spread to your other flowers and plants.

tips:In everyday care, bury a little white pill once a month to prevent insect eggs in advance!