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Top Questions About Insect Pest Control

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Questions About Insect Pest Control

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    September 30, 2024
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Unfortunately, without knowing the species, I can't give a very straightforward answer. Many species of shrubs and trees will come back from heavy damage. Still, there are many that are a lost cause. It is always worth trying to save it, though. Since there are a few factors that might be working against you, there is little that you can do. Providing the best conditions possible will give it a better chance.

    For good measure, I would test the soil for deficiencies or pH imbalances.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

    This will help you to combat the grasshopper issue:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/grasshopper-control.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    January 5, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yep! This is one of the many types of armored scale. It is treated the same way, but you have to get the ones that have already sealed themselves in, by hand, first. I always take a baby wipe and get what I can off of my indoor trees and plants before I spray. They are a big problem when they are in an indoor setting.

    My go to is using azadiractin (The active ingredient in neem oil) and pyrethrins (The active ingredient in chrysanthemums). They are harmless to animals and humans when you use it correctly.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    February 2, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I would inspect very closely. Check undersides of leaves, or on dying leaves. This looks quite a bit like aphid damage, whether it be non woolly, or a woolly species. I do see some conserning white spots, and maybe a woolly aphid on one or two of the leaves. Ants will farm them for the honeydew that they excrete.

    I'd treat for aphids and ants, and watch for the decline to slow or stop.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/woolly-aphid-control.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    February 2, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I can't see the photo clearly, but I do notice what may look like scale. This insect has many species that classify them as scale. They all vary in appearance, from flat and tan, to large and black or red, to white and woolly looking. They are all hard to treat. I see signs of leaf curling a little. That and a few possible forming spots, which, along with the sap, leads me to believe scale insects to be the case.

    You will want to remove as many as you can, then treat with something like neem oil.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-soft-scale.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm

    This one is, specifically, for lemon trees, but used to show differences in appearance.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/controlling-citrus-scale.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/azadirachtin-vs-neem-oil.htm

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    February 6, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    For homemade insecticidal soaps, a gentle soap like castile is preferable to avoid a lot of the additives and detergents in dishwashing soaps.

    However, University extension articles point out that dish soap, even pure soap, are not registered insecticides so results can be inconsistent and risky. It is best to use a commercial insecticidal soap, which has been tested for safety, consistency, and effectiveness.

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  • Answered by
    luis_pr on
    February 9, 2025
    A.

    Since there is webbing, I am going to say they are probably spider mites. You can try to control spider mites with a miticide. Or try neem oil spray.

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