Orchid problem

[Roots]

Hi, First post here. I repotted my orchids two weeks ago with orchid compost which had bee outside. A few days later I noticed flies - lots of flies and killed a many as I could. One of my orchids that I couldn't salvage was dying a the time. I could only put this down to flies laying eggs in the compost outside What I'm worried about is that my plants will be damaged. I have just purchased some new compost and not sure if I should repo them again so soon - but obviously don't want the flies to do any mor damage. Should I soak them in water in a bucket and repot them tomorrow? Do yo think they could handle more handling? Do you think they will b permanently damaged?

Very grateful for any advice :

[Mark_OK]

I would just give them a good soaking in water. You could add a little dish soap to the water or even an insecticidal soap ( I'm not into synthetic insecticides). My first fall bringing in my plants in I was shocked at the insects that had moved into my orchid pots especially the roaches and ants. I flushed all the pots with the soapy water and didn't see a sign of the pest all winter - I keep mine inside under lights. Of course most will say not to reuse the water so as not to spread disease to the other plants but soapy water is pretty cheap.

Mark

[jankey]

it's the nicotine that kills the bugs--so you can make tobacco tea? hmm, learn something new every day.... but aren't cigarettes really expensive these days? ;)

--j_a

[Manelli Family]

How about boiling the water gently for a minute? That would surely kill the virus.

[Diana Kulaga]

You know, guys, aside from asking whether boiling destroys TMV (after all, you burn it when you smoke it and yet you won't let a smoker touch your orchids) nicotine concentrate is not really healthy for *you*.

Diana