Question
QUESTION: Can anyone explain why I have tiny holes in my orchid petals. At this point there are only 3 holes. My other orcids seem to be doing fine. Why this one? Is it bugs or something along those lines?

Help!

ANSWER: The causes are likely either physical such as contact with another object or insects. A tiny insect called a thirp can often cause this damage and they are hard to spot.  Why this one?  It may because it produces a sweeter sap which would be more attractive to the insect.

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QUESTION: How can I ride the pedals of this insect? Can I spray it with a specific solution? Any ideas and or recommendations? Many thanks for responding to my original query.
Donna
(from Ontario CA)

Answer
There are a number of products that are effective against thrips.  A visit to your nearest garden center will turn up a number of them.  Check the label to be sure a pesticide is effective against thrips.  Use of an insecticidal agent that contains pyrethrins will provide one mode of attack against them.  Another mode is to use a systemic insecticide.  Systemics get absorbed into the actual plant tissues and will kill any sucking insects.  Systemics take time to become absorbed into plant tissues and will not be effective in orchid plant tissue not in active growth.  Thrips may complete their life cycle in the potting mix so repeated applications or drenching of the pot in the insecticide may be necessary.  Repeated applications may also be necessary.  When repotting, be sure to carefully discard the old potting mix so that any thrip eggs do not have an opportunity to hatch and reinfect the plant.  Clean the roots and plant carefully when repotting.  You may use sticky traps for small flies in addition but that will only help with the actual flying insects.  If you spray the plant, repeated applications may be necessary and some types of sprays may, in themselves, also cause flower damage if the flowers are sprayed.

Observation is a good tool.  If damage continues, use a hand lens and a bright light to see if you can observe anything unusual.  Google "Thrips" and you will get an idea of their size and appearance.  Remember that flower thrips is my best guess but there are other culprits that might also be causing the damage.