Try this: http://www.yardlover.com/products.php?pid=5919

That Bonide product is NOT meant to be used inside. The active ingredient is extremely hazardous and not suitable for use in enclosed spaces.

Mike, you can put your containers in a bucket or tub of water so that anything that might be hiding in the soil will (hopefully) crawl out. Worms, slugs, spiders, ants, centipedes and millipedes, earwigs, and a host of other lovely critters seem to find their way into containers. They will usually jump ship when faced with certain drowning, lol!

There are few systemic pesticides that can be used in the home, if you intend to go that route. Please, please read directions carefully before applying such a product.

I'd certainly spray your plants with Neem, but I wouldn't use it to water the soil. I wouldn't use dish soap, either, but if you INSIST on doing that, just make sure that you only use a tiny bit. Soap and/or oil drenches can alter the structure of the soil, changing surface tension of particles, etc.

You should also scrub the outside of the containers to make sure that nothing is hiding anywhere. Are you worried about any particular pest?

Over the winter, keep a careful watch on your plants so that you aren't caught by surprise. As you know, it's easier to get rid of a small number of those darned things rather than a huge infestation.

Yes rhizo...I am so afraid to bring spidermites in my home...Especially on my gardenias. I have been spraying the upper plants above the soil for weeks AND THE LEAVES LOOK SO CLEAN NOW BUG FREE.
What would you do? I am confident that my plants are pretty much bug free, except of course I was concerned about the soil and what lies beneath!!lol
But spidermites can show up anytime any where no matter how clean your plants are right?
So would you put your gardenias in a seperate room all winter, or would you not worry about it since gardenias are spidrmite magnets.
Hope you get this. Just in case, I am going to post this question if you don't see it. Thanks

I've used neem and it did nothing for spider mites and scales. Good luck with that. I can't remember what I use, make Ortho, systemic and I treat all the plants, let them dry outside and then bring them in. If you can't tell, I'm not one of those organic gardeners.

K, I just checked the garage and I found out that I use Ortho Systemic Insect Killer (formerly Isotox). It's supposed to be used outdoors but like I said, I apply it outdoors and let the plants dry before bringing them in. You don't need to drench the soil, you spray all the surfaces of the plant with it (under leaves, stem, etc.) and if a bug bites into your plant, it's toast.

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since I do not eat the fruit at all, and grow only for fragrance.....That is what I am going to do. My local nursery sells it. Please don't hate me, any of my organic friends.....especially toni, but I want to take no chance this winter!!! Toni. Are we still friends?..:-)
My gardenias will get a regular dose of this stuff until the end of winter, whether they like it or not.
If this stuff doesn't work, then I will turn to organic, especially toni's idea and start eating the fruit too, starting next year....
Please forgive me if anyone is offended by my use of chemical spray.:-(
I feel spidrmites will have no chance on the gardenias. I am doing this because, still no one has told me if I should keep them growing in a seperate room. So now I have to cover myself if I am going to have my gardenias in the same plant room...
I was told by all 3 nurseries that this stuff ABSOLUTELY KILLS!! mites and any other insects that even try to eat the foilage.It kills the insects that are sprayed by the stuff, plus the insect that try to suck the sap out of the plants because it is a systemic. I don't want to use a product that only controls the problem, like the organics. I want one that kills the problem. At least it won't kill me or my pets since I won't be eating any fruit, nor do I have any pets.
I will say though, never use this stuff if you plan on eating the fruit! I wouldn't either.
Thanks alot. If anyone has a better suggestion, I am still open to your ideas!!

"If you can't tell, I'm not one of those organic gardeners."

I think we can tell, minnamouse. ;-)

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 'one of those organic gardeners', but I think we should make some things perfectly clear.

Many pesticides, including so called organic chemicals, are highly toxic to other organisms than insects. One only has to do a simple 30 second search on the active ingredients of these branded products to find out exactly how they should and should NOT be used. Does that make me one of 'those organic gardeners'?

Short term and long term side effects can be quite devastating to those exposed. Though these chemicals are accompanied by detailed labels that users are supposed to read carefully and follow....it is obvious that they are oftentimes ignored. You are a good example of that kind of consumer, one of many thousands who abuse and misuse pesticides. Isotox is another chemical that should never be used inside....even when dry! The fumes and residual effects are long lasting.

The labels are there for several reasons, the primary one of which is to protect the consumer, the household members, visitors, and pets.

Each and every one of us has the responsibility to practice common sense safety precautions when it comes to pesticide use. Yes, this even applies to you 'NON-organic types'. Even more so, actually. The careless use of toxic chemicals can affect your children, grand children, visitors to your home who may be very young or old or pregnant or trying to mother or father a child, or taking medication that effects liver function, etc.

I urge you to take a responsible amount of time to read and understand the directions of the products you use. You can always avail yourself of the toll free information number that can be found on the label. At the very least, you shouldn't recommend pest control methods until you know for certain that they are reasonably safe.

You could be doing someone serious harm. And that just ain't right!

I am not the least bit 'offended' by any one's decision to use hazardous chemical pesticides. I'm simply astonished by the ignorance, when information is so easy to come by.

I'd like to know what the active ingredient of your Isotox is; it'll be clearly stated on the label. It's my undestanding that ACEPHATE, which used to be in isotox, is no longer on the market. Let's see what this product is made of these days. Who knows! Maybe we could make salad dressing out of the stuff!

Seriously, Mike. What are the primary active ingredients?

rhizo...I have no idea...nor do I want to know now...
I never went to get the stuff..I think I'll use neem oil instead!! I think Toni will agree with us on this ha. Or at least her safe mix if I can't get neem soon enough....;-)
Thanks again!!