Are these little guys harmful?

[Susie11]

I have noticed that in some of my phrag's rockwool media there are some tiny little millipede like creatures. I know that one of them (centipede or millipede) - is harmful while the other is actually beneficial. Can anyone identify what I have so that I can take necessary action if necessary. Thanks in advance.

 

[bullsie]

Millipede. Not actually harmful. They look for moist areas where plant material is broken down - Phrag conditions would be ideal. Easy to get rid of. Just keep removing them and keep an eye out when watering. There is a possibility that they could chew on orchid roots, but I have never heard of them doing any extensive damage. They are natural 'recyclers'. They do make a bait for them if you have a large amount to contend with or wish to go with the pesticides.

 

[Susie11]

Thanks so much for the quick reply. I have seen them on the roots on many occasions and I did wonder what they were doing.... I shall keep an eye on them and keep my fingers crossed that they don't munch them all off! Thanks again

 

[NYEric]

Very poisonous! be careful, they come out while you sleep! :evil:

 

[Susie11]

Very poisonous! be careful, they come out while you sleep! :evil:

That's ok Eric, I sleep next door oke: :rollhappy:

 

[SlipperFan]

http://insects.about.com/od/centipedesmillipedes/a/10-Facts-About-Millipedes.htm

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05552.html

 

[Susie11]

http://insects.about.com/od/centipedesmillipedes/a/10-Facts-About-Millipedes.htm

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05552.html

Thanks Dot. I feel slightly uncomfortable now after reading through all that lot. Not really sure which ones I have but as long as they aren't too harmful then I guess I can cope with them being here.

 

[bullsie]

Susie11, you've been living with them your entire life. You've just discovered their existence. Why uncomfortable now? Remove them when you see them and enjoy your orchids.

 

[Susie11]

Susie11, you've been living with them your entire life. You've just discovered their existence. Why uncomfortable now? Remove them when you see them and enjoy your orchids.

I have been seeing them on and off for a while now but I never really thought that they were harmful. I just wanted to be sure that they weren't harmful especially now as they are in my Phrag Bouley Bay's media and it is just - for the first time, coming into spike so I wanted to make sure that it wouldn't affect the growth of that. I had heard that they were harmful as they eat through the root tips although I haven't detected any damage yet.

I shall do as you suggest and enjoy my orchids!