Hi, my Schefflera has been decimated by tiny elongated pests I can only sometimes see on the leaf undersides and are reduced but not eliminated by applications of Safer soap. You'll have to zoom in to see much!

to the forum eamayer2gmailcom!
I think your pest is thrips. Try a systemic like Bayer or Orthene. They tend to be too mobile for soap to work.

Thank you, CalPolyGardener! Are these also pretty easily spread among my plants? I'm pretty sure my erstwhile stunning ficus is now also infected.

Yes, they very good flyers. Treat most or all of your inside plants. There is a type that ONLY feeds on Ficus, but it's real unusual for them to be inside.

I'm sorry but are you referring to a product like this one that goes into the soil (systemic in that sense)?
Or something you spray onto the leaves? I see both and I'm more concerned about exposing myself to the latter.

Thank you!

Bayer Advanced Insect Control Plus Fertilizer Plant Spike 8-11-5 Spike

Those spikes should work and there are granular and liquid forms as well.

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