Plant help

[skoehn]

Hey! I just got home with my amaryllis plant and it has nats all over it. Does anyone know how to get rid of these pesky things? It is grossing me out and driving me crazy. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be safe.

[stickman]

Raid Flying Insect spray comes to mind.

[demopolite]

Insecticidal soap. You should be able to pick some up at the nearest nursery.

[debby]

When I was in Germany my plant use to do this often. (Yucky cold all the time and radiator heat.) One quick remedy I was given was to fill my sink with soapy water, take the plant out of the pot roots and all and put it in the soapy water. It killed them all. You need to let it drain on some paper towels for a while before putting it back in the pot. Or you can get the insecticidal soap from Walmart. Yes easier but you may never need it again. I don't know how much it cost. Or you can try mixing your own.
SIMPLE SOLUTION: Soap has been used for centuries as an all-purpose pesticide. It disrupts insects’ cell membranes, and kills pests by dehydration. The key is not to use too much soap, or you’ll also kill the vegetation near the pests. If you follow the proportions of soap to water in the Soap Spray recipe, below, the vegetation should be fine.
Note: Buy a liquid soap and not a detergent. Health food stores have liquid soaps, such as Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soaps.

Soap Spray

1 to 2 tablespoons liquid soap
1 quart water

Combine ingredients in a bucket, mix, then transfer to a spray bottle as needed.

All Purpose Pesticide Soap Spray
Strong smelling roots and spices such as garlic, onions, horseradish, ginger, rhubarb leaves, cayenne and other hot peppers, are all known to repel insects.

A handful of roots and spices
Enough boiling water to cover Soap Spray (recipe, above)

Add the roots and spices to the bottom of a mason jar. Cover with the boiling water, screw on the top, and let set overnight. Strain, and add to the Soap Spray. Note that this will rot, so use it all up or freeze leftovers for another time.

Variation: Garlic Spray
Use 1 to 2 heads garlic. Deer and rabbits hate the smell of garlic.


http://www.care2.com/greenliving/hom...idal-soap.html

[Blondie]

dish soap (something gentle) and water. it only takes a little bit of soap. the bugs hate the taste.

[skoehn]

Thank you all for the advice. I tried the soap and water and it seemed to have worked. Something quick and inexpensive. I am so grateful for all my Demoplive friends and the helpful advice. Thanks alot everyone!

[Blondie]

if they are white nats, they could be white flies. they will spread quickly. good luck on the killin. lol.

[scootergal]

	Quote:	Mrs.Ceman
	if they are white nats, they could be white flies. they will spread quickly. good luck on the killin. lol.

If they are white flies, you should reapply about every 2-3 days as they will hatch new ones until you no longer see any. We bred some in our greenhouse one winter and when we brought our plants out they covered EVERYTHING. It continued for months and was awful. Don't just do it one time and think they're gone. Play it safe and reapply.