Pests..A lesson learned and my idea to avoid them!

14 years ago

I found out that scale problem I had earlier started from a plant I bought and never treated and isolated..

The mite problem I had, came from a couple of new plants I picked up prior to my problem.

My plants were clean and pest free until this..

I have learned my lessons.

From now on, any new plant gets inspected, washed, sprayed, thrn put into a plastic bag for two weeks until pest free, then let loose..lol Or you could say before intoduced into my clean plant rooms. In fact I have several sitting in bags waiting for a clean bill of health as we speak..

I have a feeling many do what I have done..Buy a new plant, and can't wait to put it into it's spot, without even considering inspecting for pests or washing them..

Also it is a good idea to wash off oneself, and remove cloths that could otherwise be carrying a pest that has hitchiked from an infected nursery or garden center..

What do you do when you bring home a new one? What do you do that would help others avoid future possible issues?

Mike..:-)

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Comments (7)

User
14 years ago
This seems like overkill to me, but then I don't have insect problems.

Also, I wouldn't use any of these sprays in the house (assuming you've got kids & pets around).

I just inspect plants VERY carefully & when buying new ones. Then, I was taught to isolate them for the first week or 2 (like in the bathroom which has few plants, just 3 in the windows).
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
14 years ago
Like Karen, I do very little in the way of precaution....

I quarantine plants for a few weeks, then I let them go free-range. I change out the potting soil as a matter of course, and this eliminates quite a few problems, too.

If I must spray my plants, I use the water + alcohol + soap mix.

I also know where some of the best pest predators can be found. I already shared these pics with Mike, but I'm sure he won't mind me posting them here. (Of course, Mike won't be able to view the pics until he's on his home computer...sorry, Mike!).

I took a friend out hiking before Christmas, to show him where the Ladybugs gather in the tens of thousands.....

{{gwi:115743}}
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meyermike_1micha
Original Author
14 years ago
Fortunatley Pg, I only use what Josh uses, or neem, or some other sort of natural spray..Chemicals is a no no in my home..Good point brought up for those that are thinking of using chemical pesticides...

Actually, overkill to me is worth the price to pay to keeping my plants pest free. So far so good.
I would isolate mine into a different room, which seems alot easier, but, unfortunately I have no room that is plant free..lol

I think I will just have to make an isolation room if treating my new plants becomes to much work..
So far, it isn't work at all. I would rather treat a couple new plants, than treat all of my over 100 plants at the expense of one being infected..;-). Sometimes I even wash each leaf off with soap and water, like giving them a bath..

Just a thought..

Inspecting them closely doesn't always work...

It's the eggs hiding in places you do not see, that hatch after a few days that get you without even knowing they are there on your new plants..That is what got me and many others..I inspect with a magnifying glass to see no mites when first brought in, just for the eggs to hatch and crawl over the place only after a few days...Therefore the good suggestion you brought up about isolation for the first week or so...Great points!
meyermike_1micha
Original Author
14 years ago
Oh yah,,,,

How did you know Josh?....lol. Josh, you could start a business with those guys....lol

Talk to you sometime later..:-)

Mike
User
14 years ago
Isolation & quarantine are basics, taught to most folks who are actually taught about plants.

Inspecting them closely works for me.

Also, this may sound snobbish, tho' I don't mean it to be. I don't just accept plants from anyone or anywhere, not to be snooty, but even some plant collectors I know have strange circumstances (roach infested homes, etc.).

Also, (IMO) I wouldn't accept gift plants from non-plant folks.
meyermike_1micha
Original Author
14 years ago
Some realy good points here.....Thankyou.:-)

Mike
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
14 years ago
Hey, it if takes a bit of snobbishness to keep one's plants healthy, so be it! ;-)
I agree completely! I don't consider a plant kosher until I've replaced all of the soil
and had the plant for a full annual cycle.

I'm battling aphids on all of my pepper plants...due to a gift pepper in non-kosher soil this summer.
Live and learn!

Josh

Pests..A lesson learned and my idea to avoid them!

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greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a

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Pests..A lesson learned and my idea to avoid them!

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