I was just admiring the new shoot growing on the cattleya I rescued from Lowe's in the spring when I noticed a white speck...which moved. It was on the bark and when I picked up that bark piece, there were more mealys under that. Looks like the entire root system is covered in the buggers. What's the best way to treat them? This is my first mealy attack on an orchid so I want to make sure I do it right - once and done.

I know I'm going to have to repot but how I can I be sure I get all of them off the root system without harming the orchid too much?

Okay, went out on a limb and gave it a good spray down. Put some loose stone (sterilized) in the bottom of the new (sterilized) planter. Fresh mix (I weeded out any peat chunks) and set back down in front of the fan. I hope it works because it looks like it's got a spike developing...ARGH!!

Lately, I use alcohol mixed with a small amt of peppermint soap in a sprayer for many bugs and I think Ursula just uses a strong spray of water.

Thanks Kathy! I think I've eradicated them for now. I checked the others but didn't see anything, thankfully. I'll keep watch to make sure no more appear.