I have two indoor plants (not sure what they are) that I have been desperately trying to save for the past few months. They both have bugs on them that I can't seem to kill.
The bugs look like tiny ants. At first I sprayed them with soap and water - nothing happened. I them plasted them with an insect spray I bought at the garden center - still nothing.
My plants are dying quickly now and I would like very much to save them - I have had them for over six years - on patio.
I see the tiny ant like insects crawling mainly on the stem. I don't see anything on the leaves at all - however - the leaf stem and the leafs turn yellow and fall off. It's like something is sucking the lift out of them.
I hate to lose these plants since I have had them for so long. I would like to transplant them outside but am afraid that will really do them in. I live in southern Texas.
Could the bugs be coming out of the soil????
2007-06-29 17:41:04 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
When you washed them with soap and water was it actually dish washing detergent?
There is a world of difference between detergent and soap.
You can purchase insecticidal soap at any garden center.
Or you can make your own with home made lye soap or one called Fels Naptha.
Open link below
http://www.soapsgonebuy.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=D1001
2007-06-29 23:00:43 · answer #1 · answered by LucySD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They may be aphids. Those are little lice that suck the juices from the plants. Try washing them off with really concentrated soapy water. If that doesn't do it get nicotine sulfate solution (or make it by soaking cigarette butts in water). Spray that on them for an easier kill.
2007-06-30 00:59:25 · answer #2 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some ants farm aphids. It's a sybiotic relationship. aphids suck plant juices, ants collect "honey dew" (plant sap excretion) from the aphids.
Disyston is a good systemic insecticide, sprinkle on, water in. Bugs bite the plant and die.
good luck
2007-06-30 07:11:51 · answer #3 · answered by reynwater 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
take them outside and hose them off.let them stay outside for awhile,in the shade.the air will do them good.a real good bug killer is neem oil. it comes already mixed in a spray bottle or you can get the kind you have to mix. it might also be a good idea to re-pot them in new soil.then you can see if they are root bound and need a bigger pot.miracle grow is good potting soil. if they are root bound,then when you water the water doesn't go to the roots.it runs out the side.this could be why they are dying fast,and they have invited the bug's because they are too weak and dying.
2007-06-30 00:59:40 · answer #4 · answered by stacy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Susie.
2007-06-30 15:49:23 · answer #5 · answered by kanei 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get something with malithion in iy and that will do the trick promise
2007-06-30 05:33:31 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋