Insects – On Patio Plants

Porch and patio plants can carry aphids and spider mites when you bring them inside each fall. First, examine the underside of their leaves, looking for live insects, their cast off skins or their brown fecal drops.

If you find insect evidence, fill a large sink or cooking pot with lukewarm, soapy water. Using one hand to hold the plant and soil in the pot, turn it upside-down and swish the foliage in the water. Insects will be washed off or killed by the soap.

There are few soil insects to worry about. Pillbugs may be hiding under the pot but they can be flicked off when moving the pot indoors.

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