On Sun, 9 Jul 2006 08:15:57 -0400, Ray wrote:
I would guess they are "bush snails", which are neither attracted to-, nor
killed by most slug and snail baits. As far as I know, only Mesurol is
listed for them, and it is unfortunately, a restricted use chemical here in
PA. (It's probably available in other states, so if anyone finds a source,
please let me know.)

For what it's worth - and I apologize to all for bringing this up again -
but I have noted the apparent elimination of them from plants that have been
repeatedly sprayed with coffee (yeah, that caffeine question again).

Of more concern though, is the fact that they have appeared on a mounted
plant. Unless you just got it and it came to you that way, I would fear
that you have a much bigger population elsewhere in your collection, and
bush snails can be pretty nasty on your plants.

Thanks to all who have replied. I'm going to try the coffee diluted 50%
for lack of powered caffene. I live on a sailboat moored offshore and
almost all the plants are hanging in the skylight, the affected plant
is wall mounted so unless these buggers can fly I think I'm ok in
that respect. I'm a complete novice with orchids. Last summer we started
taking care of a friends orchids while they were on an extended vacation
and the addiction started. We started going to shows and bought a number
of small inexpensive plants to see how well they would do on the boat.
They all did well through the winter so this spring we started buying
the cheap flowering plants from the big box stores so as to always
have something in flower. Funny we were first interesting in the plants
and not so much the flower at first. Well we now have 25 plants and are
going to have to pass along some to hook friends and relations to make
room for more selective purchases.

Bob
Newport Beach, CA