Frank,

I think you are overly concerned. Unsurprisingly, I have more S/H
experience than anyone, and have never seen a mosquito in the reservoir of a
semi-hydro pot, even on those occasions when everything was grown outdoors,
unprotected for a few months in the middle of summer, while replacing the GH
glazing or last summer, when doing a complete scouring and reorganization of
the GH.

I believe that the flushing is completely adequate, and I believe the bugs
would need to get to the reservoir from the top (unlikely), rather than
through the drainage holes.

If you do feel better about using a disinfectant (I good way to keep down
algae, too), one ounce of household bleach per gallon of water is OK, with
no detrimental effects on the plant. I tend to use commercial products in
the GH these days, but used bleach once a month-or-two for years.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

.. . . . . . . . . . .
"Frank H. Kirchner" wrote in message
news:wIZTb.2185$Yj.680@lakeread02...
Hi guys-

I am very happily converting a large share of my orchid collection to
semi-hydroponics. The plants are happy. I am happy. So, as I lust for
the warmth of summer, I started worrying. I have one hell of a lot of
standing water in my pots now and started worrying about mosquitoes. The
concern is a bit more than worrying about a pest as the West Nile Virus is
increasingly prevalent here in Virginia. Will regular watering and
flushing
being adequate to remove mosquito larva? Will a couple of drops of bleach
damage orchids? What thoughts do you growers have about controlling
mosquitoes in your greenhouse/collection?

Will summer come soon? I'm desparate!

Thanks all.

Frank

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