are there any pesticide type things to drench them with?
You probably mean the fungus gnats. Keeping plants on the drier side helps. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/fungus-gnats.htm
I have flying knats around my house plants
Fungus gnats are attracted to moist soil, so it helps to let the plant soils stay on the drier side. This link should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/fungus-gnats.htm
Castile soap. Water with it. Kills larvae.
Will the insecticide soap kill monarch caterpillars
Any kind of insecticidal soap will kill caterpillars and other soft bodied insects if you spray it directly on them. The soap is not residual, so once it dries on the plant or washes away, it won't harm them.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/insecticidal-soaps-for-garden-pest-control/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/homemade-soap-spray.htm
would planting citronella plants around the house or just place plants in containers around the house repel mosquitoes? tks
Sure! Either one will help! Planting citronella plants or placing them in containers around your house can help repel mosquitoes when the plants are disturbed. To maximize effectiveness, ensure the plants are healthy, use multiple plants, and combine them with other natural repellents. Factors such as weather and wind can impact their repellent properties.
Keep in mind, as well, that they are not even close to hardy in your zone. They will need to be brought in or some clumps dug up at the first sign of cool weather. This is a tropical grass.
Given that you have the time for some reading, this collection of articles will offer more information on the subject:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/citronella-grass/what-is-citronella-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/gardening-pros-cons/citronella-pros-and-cons
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/eco-friendly-insect-sprays.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mosquito-repelling-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/insect-repelling-sun-plants.htm
Como hacer jabón potásico en casa?
I’m a novice gardener ‘renovating’ a neglected garden. Some of the plants have cobweb like webs over and under leaves which I think is spider mites. The other more difficult one is possible disease or fungus. Can you tell me what it is and how to treat?
The webs in the photo do look like a spider mite infestation. Use Neem oil, a hard spray of water from a hose, or a miticide spray.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-control.htm
Fungicides, particularly a copper fungicide, can help fungal spots but it is usually wasted effort after the fact. Pick off the spotted leaves and pick up any that have fallen and dispose of them in the trash. Good sanitation, air flow, and no overhead watering will help avoid spots next year.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/plant-leaf-spots.htm
Looks like a spider mite infestation. Use a miticide spray or a hard spray of water from a hose to dislodge these pests that suck sap from the leaves, especially newer leaves.
I’m trying to eliminate mealy bugs and also spider mites. Some sites recommended neem oil and others white oil. Are they the same and are they best options?
Here is a good explanation of "oils."
https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=3029
White oil generally refers to mineral oil but can refer to an insecticide used to smother insects such as aphids, scale, mealybugs, and mites. It is not the same as Neem Oil but both can smother insects. Horticultural oils are generally petroleum based whereas Neem oil is plant based.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/white-oil-insecticide.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I never hear of anyone using white oil so I would recommend Neem oil.