Pests!

Rodents and birds can do a lot of damage in a short period of time and some damage won't even be evident until it's really impacted the flower crop. When it's cold and wet outside and the greenhouse or shade house provides protection and warmth and a nice yummy meal of orchid flowers and buds, the results are disastrous.

The last few weeks have been frustrating to say the least. I would walk into the greenhouse in the morning and discover the ravages from the last night's feast for the pests. Dendrobium and Oncidium buds (just ready to open) would be neatly chewed off and whole spikes gnawed off at the base.

Pictures show a white phalaenopsis flower (that the critter stood on, to lop off the buds above)....nice little teeth or claw marks.

The damage occurred while the flower was still a closed bud. It opened normally but with the scalloped edge and bite marks. I cut it ~ 2 weeks ago and it opened nicely and is holding up fairly well....all things considered.

Remedies?? I've tried various rodent baits, mouse traps, rat trap (with and without bacon), sticky boards. The traps and boards were avoided, therefore, useless. They consumed some of the bait but still chewed off orchid buds. I finally got more electronic pest repellers and put them all over, aiming them at the areas most damaged. I also moved all budded and spiking plants to a bench they had not touched. Keeeping my fingers crossed. The damage seems to have slowed down.......significantly........so far........we shall see.