Question
Wayne,

I have my orchids in my screened-in patio (pool area) on a couple of nice wooden benches I built.

I live in Orlando, Florida so when the winter comes around I put them in my garage; wooden stands and all.

My wife is concerned that I am bringing "critters" into our house. The patio is screened-in, but we do get some critters getting into it; she's afraid a roach or two can come get into the orchid bark.

My question is: is there anything I can water my Phals and Cattleyas with prior to bringing them into the garage? I am thinking that an insecticide will work, but wanted to ask which type is best for these types of orchids as I don't want to kill them.

I am thinking that perhaps I can mix that into the water cycle a week or two prior to bringing them inside the house.

Thanks in advance as always,
Angelo

Answer
Angelo, none of the insecticides that I use on my orchids specify roaches as a target.  You might try using sticky paper (like fly paper but it comes in two-sided sheets). You could just lay it on the potting mix between waterings.  It could be a bit messy and some of the potting mix will stick to it. You could check at a garden center and see what they recommend in the way of chemical treatment.  In the past, I have used isotox but it is quite smelly.