Viewing post #2838310 by dnrevel

Oh geez, and some folks say to use a diluted rubbing alcohol on those aphids. Well, I've only sprayed once with the concoction, and my Mandevilla vine is rather large. CAN DO the shower treatment tho...just heavy, a bit unwieldy. I have treated with Neem for several weeks, not seeing a difference yet.

I mist the plants everyday (tropicals), but so far, MORE voracious aphids! Will research more, but hey *scotch tape* ! It's a Michigan Gardener suggestion without lugging the large plant to my shower. Super simple! Going for it: https://youtu.be/qs2IThaIOBc

May have to do it twice a day. Right now I just have one plant infected, but if there were many, I would need to do something else.

dyzzypyxxy said: Forget the garlic, and don't ! use vinegar on foliage, ever. If you use the Neem oil weekly you'll eventually get a systemic effect, but it's such a pain.

For an immediate treatment, put it in the bathtub, and spray it off with your shower head. Lukewarm water. Both spider mites and aphids hate water on them. You must do it probably 3 times, within a week or so to be sure of getting any new ones that hatch after the first go. One treatment of anything never cuts it. Clean around where the plant was, thoroughly with soap on a sponge or paper towel.

Indoor conditions are very favorable for spider mites especially - they love the weather warm and dry, so if you can repeat the showering process every couple of weeks that will help to keep them at bay. A spray bottle of water 'misted' around the plants regularly (or whenever you walk by) will also help. They love humidity, too.