10 EASY Ways to Prevent Pests on Houseplants! | Solutions for Plant Pests houseplant pests thrips

[@HarliG]

✩✩Link to the GREEN QUEEN shirt I'm wearing in the video! harli-g.creator-spring.com/listing/green-queen-9987?product=11&variation=2496&size=324 ✩✩Link to the shop with the rest of my NEW merch designs (: harli-g.creator-spring.com/

[@ashrys_planties9067]

I’m so ordering this! I’ve worn my monstera sweatshirt into the ground! I freaking love that one. And I was so going to comment where did you get that one your wearing now haha! Love it!!!

[@destri.]

Hello, when will you have the variegated gigantiums available? :)

[@GeorgiaGrown90]

Also to preface this: Pests on your plants does NOT mean you're a horrible person. It dose not mean you suck at taking care of plants. Nor does it mean if you see one on a plant that your plant is going to die within in the next 5 seconds. It just means your plant(s) got pests, it happens to everyone even the best plant keeper. I know this may be an unpopular opinion but I use systemic insecticidal granules and mosquito bits in the soil. I also wipe my leaves down with neem oil 1-2xs a month. I like to use a preventative approach rather than a treat when I see an issue approach. I also keep captain jacks dead bug, diatomaceous earth, and insecticidal soap on hand in case I need it. That seems to work the best for me but there are a million different ways you can treat for pests, you just have to find out which works best for you.

[@tree-essence]

I recently treated a major thrips outbreak with a neem oil / Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew mixture. Worked really well and made my leaves shine! About a week later I introduced nematodes to the soil of all of my plants. I'm thinking they chomped up the rest of the thrips because all my plants are recovering well & are almost a month pest-free!

[@charlottecobain6986]

You got incredibly lucky or didn’t have a very severe outbreak if you only had to spray once and then waited a full week to add nematodes…spinosad (active ingredient in captain jacks doesn’t work on eggs, or most instars that haven’t started feeding on the leaves yet since spinosad has to be consumed by the bugs for it to work). I wish all it took was one time spraying in my case 😂

[@alicenh.5124]

I don't know if you've done this yet- but a video about different plant diseases would be cool. I just recently dealt with a fungus situation that ended up infecting my beautiful big Monstera😭💔 (she's fine now, but I had to remove several leaves).

[@funnylittlecactus4672]

That's something I would like to see too!

[@mwoods4608]

so many different types of plant diseases and hard to find information on them. I contacted my local college horticulturist department with questions

[@The_Book_Bimbo]

Yes please do this! I’m newer to the plant world and would love the info!

[@Toodarnbad]

Lil tip if you use sticky traps… I cut mine in half so I can have more, and reduces the surface area that I have to maneuver around my plants so they don’t get stuck :)

[@suedub5156]

I mix my own substrate and I always add mosquito bits and systemic insecticide to it. Watering day is a plant check/leaf cleaning day for each of my plants that are getting a deep water. I always cut off dead and dying leaves at first sight. When I bring new plants into my home, I ALWAYS repot right away into my substrate and clean the leaves with neem, soap, water mixture.

[@Zara_tt]

Do mosquito bits work on thrips too? 🤔

[@suedub5156]

I don’t think so since thrips larvae seem to live on undersides of leaves. That’s where systemic comes into play. That way, the pests that feast on leaves, die.

[@suedub5156]

But I also read that my method of auto adding systemic to new substrate isn’t great as thrips can develop a resistance. So the key is to add systemic at first sight if thrips.

[@ZombixMix]

If you use oils (like peppermint oil), remember to check they’re not irritating to pets! Some essential oils can cause issues, like respiratory issues, in pets when inhaled.

[@GardeningInCanada]

As a soil scientist, I am slightly biassed in the sense that I like to preserve soil microbiota. But nematodes are an absolute must-have additive!

[@cece_marie]

Best tip related - don't just use a flashlight, buy a headlamp! 🔦 Makes things so much easier when looking for pests! It's part of my indoor gardening kit. Went ahead and ordered the Capt Jacks from your link - my once huge lush croton is suffering from spider mites now that it has to be inside.

[@kkmeilicke]

I don't have room to isolate new plants, so I always treat new plants with Captain Jack's, which I buy in concentrated form (saves $$). I agree that cleaning leaves is a great time to inspect them. I use Dr. Earth's Final Stop as a leaf shine/pest deterrent regularly. It's a blend of oils that works like neem oil but smells MUCH better.

[@rebeccalowry5456]

How do u mix it? I just bought the same

[@nicolemooney95]

Thank you so much for the suggestion. I've been looking for something pet-safe, and that one says it's safe for pets after it's dried.

[@couch_philosoph3325]

Hey, a very effective methode is putting them in clearish plastic bags. I eliminated an entire thrip outbreak like this when i moved and got thrips from a roommate. Now everytime i get a plant home i spray it down and put it in a plastic bag and let it there like two weeks and then check if i see a bug. Like this you can have a new plant next to your other plants eithout risking an i festation

[@Elywinther]

Most of my collection consist of prayerplants. I have stopped using neem/soap, to prevent pest from the leaves. Every week, I shower the leaves, with rainwater or water from the lake. I use a spray-bottle for that. Plants do well with low-mineral water, on the leaves, and it prevents pest, without all the chemical-builds-up, and it keeps your plants healthy with no pest, naturally. Rainwater is also richer in oxygen, than tap-water. It also makes your plants look greener, in my experience.

[@Tizbean_]

I thankfully have never had any bad bug outbreaks 😩 just a few mealy bugs and fungus gnats here and there. When I get a new plant, I always check really well for bugs before I even put it in my cart and the isolate them at home. And if I do find a bug, I go crazy with some organic pest soap spray and it seems to work 🙏

[@OdaMaria]

Love when you're just sitting with all the plant boxes in the background 😄

[@Mystikphobe]

I’ve only ever dealt with spider mites, a couple years back. But for some reason yesterday I was pondering on the fact that it’s not always gonna be this easy and I need to get more knowledge on how to keep preventing it without just winging it cause I might not be so lucky at some point.. you heard my concerns I swear 🤣

[@JMarieLifestyle]

Did not even know about the blue stick traps thanks Harli! Great video 🌱

[@nicholecaldwell3903]

I did not know about the blue ones either.

[@summer3498]

How many drops of peppermint do you recommend in a spray bottle? I have never tried that but definitely want to!

[@zoltanv9987]

I have been using Systemic granules on my plants and they have been working amazingly well. It lasts for 8 weeks and I use it year round. During the summer I mix mosquito bits for gnat prevention. Then I also spray the dead bug jack once a month on all my plants as part of prevention and on new plants too. Works wonders keeping pests at bay.

[@theresenorway]

Which systemic granules?

[@hpeteacher9445]

Hi Harli! How are you? I hope you had a Merry Christmas! I would suggest to quarrenteen all new plants. Keep your eyes on them to make sure they do not have any pests. If my plants do have Fungus Gnats, I too will bottom water them. I use Mosquito Bits tea. If you do this, FG can go in between the cover pot & nursery pot and enter the soil through the drainage holes. To prevent this, spray the bottom of the nursery pot before putting back into the cover pot. I use Neem oil, peppermint soap, alcohol and water and put into a spray bottle. Use warm water to incorporate all the ingredients. I spray my plants and soil when I first bring them home. I also do this when I see any pest. I also spray the top of the soil after top watering and the bottom if the nursery pot after bottom watering. I do sprinkle cinnamon onto top of the soil. It kills fungus and what Fungus Gnats feed on. They do not like the smell, but I do. Hope that helps! Happy New Year! Gerry HPEteacher 😎

[@mwoods4608]

I see people tape the drainage holes closed when battling FG

[@hpeteacher9445]

@@mwoods4608 I have seen that too. I like to let the soil dry out before bottom watering again. That is why I spray the bottom of my nursery pots before putting them back into the cover pot. Fungus Gnats are a pain to get rid of, but if you are consistent, it can be done. Like losing the battle, but winning the war. 😎

[@nicholecaldwell3903]

I personally use Captain Jacks once per month as a preventative method… 🤷🏻‍♀️… it seems to work real nice for me. I also use the mosquito bits as a ‘tea’ when I water my plants. This was the only thing that I have found that actually controls my fungus gnats on the regular… clearly I’m an over waterer! 🤣

[@emmasplantz]

I've had thrips so often on my plants that now I simply spray a neem oil solution on all my plants every now and then to prevent them :)

[@jillskee1]

Video request!!!! Can you please do a houseplant tour in regards to the levels of light they are getting in you home? With shots of the whole room- with the window as the focal point with an east/ west/south/ North description? I hope you know what I mean! I have smaller south windows in the majority of my home and I have all of my plants crowded near the south windows. And I’m wondering if I can have them farther back so I can style my home with my babies. I can’t find any videos like this and I think it would be so helpful!!! Love your channel 💕

[@missypriss4045]

Loved this vid. I love the affect of Neem Oil but like you said, I HATE the smell so I add peppermint oil to my Neem Solution and that works great as a preventative spray. I also use Mosquito Bits mixed into my soil. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and tricks! Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@Inebny]

Bug nets on the open windows. Pretty much has eliminated mealy bugs. 😁🤘

[@marsf4883]

I’ve used neem oil, mosquito bits, and cinnamon powder to prevent pests. Don’t really mind all the smells really, and will continue to use those three things!

[@mandietaylor3593]

I’m living for the new merch! Also thanks for the reminder to stop being lazy and wipe those leaves down lol

[@APotToPlantIn]

I’ve been using oils to prevent bugs for years! No bug survives my concoction! All of these tips are very useful 💚

[@summer3498]

Would you mind sharing your concoction recipe??

[@aliesefitch1099]

Yes, please share!!

[@kaylarogle]

Following 😁

[@angelalight7543]

I'd love to know too!

[@erinsass6653]

I would love to know the recipe also

[@ashrys_planties9067]

I always add mosquito bits and DE and I use these little silicone gloves that have little rubber dingys on the palms and I wipe my plants down with a Neem oil cleaning solution pretty regularly. I find it super relaxing and I love to get all up in my babies and love on them.

[@chloekrause5984]

Harli G!! Show us some of them Juicy Growth Updates! I always be rubber neckin trying to look in your backgrounds at all of those beauties hiding back there! I love seeing your videos! Thanks for always sharing! I look forward to your content!

[@ArthurGrey.]

Aside from using Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew and Mosquito Bits tea, good humidity and good airflow have been lifesavers. I keep my humidity above 50% and always have a large standing fan running in my room where all my plants are. If I don't keep up on my humidity for even a week, spidermites tend to settle in. Also I find removing dead or dying leaves to be very therapeutic almost, something about it just gives me a boost of serotonin.

[@mariacastro1180]

I love keeping some apple cider vinegar with soap in a yellow container near my water loving plants. Mainly great for fungus gnats but it catches random bugs I’d never think would be attracted to it. It may or may not mildly help with thrips as well

[@janecurtis5726]

In the winter season I always keep a humidifier going. Creates a better environment for my houseplants and for me, also. I also regularly mist plants like English ivy with plain water to keep spider mite at bay. Practice most of your other tips and will try the peppermint oil. I think good hygiene and proper watering are the top two important methods.

[@nessas.9647]

I use a combination of Peppermint oil, Dr Bonner's Castille soap, and distilled water or Neem oil for prevention. If I get an outbreak, and I haven't yet, I'll use the Captain. Collection is small for now so I stay on it mainly because I love pretty, shiny leaves.

[@erikamejia4582]

I love the addition of mosquito bits in the soil it definitely helps. I just recently started using been oil and it’s great too!

[@emmassong740]

Hi harli! I have a video request that I’d love to see! It’s “all about my grow tent” I recently bought one and I’d love any information about it and how to keep it humid and nice for plants, even some information about the prop boxes and how to make and maintain them to be safe for plants and the right conditions for them! Thanks

[@_Moonlight92]

I just found bugs in mine 😭 that’s actually how I subscribed to you. Just got a plant for Valentines and I also am not good with separating 😬 thank you for sharing

[@SierraScotty]

Lost Coast Plant Therapy has been the only thing that’s helped me against thrips! Luckily my grandmother has a huge green thumb and had a bottle she could sell me. SO. WORTH. THE. MONEY.

[@jennapelletier7484]

I LOVE predatory mites for both prevention and for dealing with spider mites/thrips. It's the thing I've found to work the best!

[@lauriesickles5393]

Yellow sticky traps and mosquito bits is all I've ever used, so far so good.

[@EthanAntalosky]

11:20 - the mrs. meyers all purpose cleaner works well too. it's made from essential oils, and smells to to us but bad to the bugs. just make sure to dillute it. sometimes I'll mix a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol or vinegar in with it as well. you can use it as a spray or put the solution in a bucket and wipe the leaves with a cloth.

[@meganmichael9462]

I don’t deal with a ton of pests but my chive plant (to use for cooking) and my baby fiddle leaf seem to ALWAYS have gnats no matter what I do. I added a layer of cinnamon over both about two months ago and the gnats are totally gone!

[@MaryDavisBrown]

I have had mealy bugs and spider mite. One way I control pest is to shower my plants during watering. I also spray my leaves with a Neen oil, peppermint soap, and rosemary oil spray. I’m a outside gardener as well and I usually grow rosemary as a companion plant along side many of my veggies because it acts as a deterrent in the same way that peppermint does. I also sometimes use the solution in a systemic way for my alocasia and prayer plants.

[@hollymaylin2312]

Do you need to add a small amount of soap or something to get the oils to mix with the water? I want to try this but not sure how to get the oils evenly distributed in the water? :)

[@MaryDavisBrown]

@@hollymaylin2312 yes I add peppermint soap.

[@lalalariify]

This is great!! I'd have to agree, having pests will just be really part of your life when you keep plants, both outdoors and indoors. It's something that I've come to just really accept with time :)) With that said, I'm still going through a really bad mealybug infestation and I just want to cover all bases. I've been adding diatomaceous earth to my potting medium thanks to you Harli! And I think it really helps not just with keeping the soil insects at bay but also with aeration :D

[@jacquelinecosme7608]

Girl we’re do I start so I’ve always loved plants but about 4 years I’ve gotten out of control buying plants your my first and fav I just love them so like 2weeks ago I saw my Hoya grew flowers I was so but I mean so to almost cry and I saw 2 different spot growing and thy smell amazing like most plants you have I try to get learned so much from you there a few other but you top notch so thank you for your video 👍👍👍 my sister yesterday needed help with her spider plant how to remove the baby to how to put in water and the others with route in water she said I got a green 👍for plants 🪴 I felt honored

[@OrdinaryPlantGirl]

I use Neem oil with a few drops of peppermint oil. It doesn't smell as bad and seems to work with everything ☺️

[@zap4980]

Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@valeriesaldana4838]

Unrelated to the video but still related... Harli, you are a true beauty inside and out. That's all. 💚🤍 Anyone reading this-- Bless your heart, we made it another day ✨

[@chantecampbell2207]

I rinse off the leaves and let them dry. I then spray them with Captain Jacks before putting them on the shelf. I used to be really good about quarantine but not as much lately.

[@averilt]

Always quarantine a plant for a week or two after buying it! I really have avoided some major spreading because I'm able to watch the new plant and see if any bugs appear!

[@mwoods4608]

I walked into a super cute plant store while visiting Kansas and turned right back around after seeing Aphids, Spider mites, and mealybugs in the first 5 plants!! I wondered how could they not see these pests and knowingly send people home with them?!!

[@ccourtm14]

I would LOVE a video on your soil mixture if you don’t have one already! I love your videos it’s like hanging out with a friend.

[@aliesefitch1099]

What confuses me about using Neem oil for pest prevention is that it functions by slowly preventing bugs from reproducing and eating. But bugs have to be there for that to happen. Do the bugs not like the smell of Neem either? Does that keep them away from the plants? I've had great success with essential oils for pest prevention

[@cheryllatendresse8094]

I love the yellow sticky butterfly. 🦋🦋🦋

[@libbys994]

My one-two combo is Captain Jack's + beneficial mites. Huge fan of using bugs to hunt other bugs, it makes me feel better to know they're working constantly. Have also recently introduced springtails to combat a mold problem that no "cinnamon/baking soda" remedy was fixing. Thanks, good bugs!

[@breakingburque2200]

Pests are everywhere, trying to keep the numbers in check is the important thing. I spray every couple months and bottom water with a pesticide occasionally. Giving my plants a shower helps wash critters off too.

[@StaceyFeltham]

I for the longest time was using chemicals and cleaning the leaves all the time but what I swear by is beneficial mites !! I get a lot of folk don't want bugs but they are so tiny and do no harm

[@karenfreedman9180]

I use your tips so often. I just got a Katchy and found that I had more fungus gnats than I thought!

[@Pickle_OG]

I’ve found a pretty good pest mix that I use for both prevention and treatment.. but tbh I haven’t had to “treat” since using it as a preventative every so often. Its capt jacks dead bug brew but I take an empty spray bottle and fill it halfway up with the capt jacks, then the other half is water, alcohol, neem & a drop of blue dawn.. I haven’t had an issue all year. Even if I suspect I give them a spray down and misting it in an enclosed space, like my ikea cabinet, has worked well too.. I have a lot of leca & pon plants but any thing potted in soil gets a bonide systemic mixed in.. ive been lucky this far (about 8 months using this system) 💚

[@thehectichobbyist664]

I keep peppermint castel soap neem oil cinnamon and 70% alcohol on hand for pest control.

[@mayac2266]

What about systematic drench for prevention?

[@DebiinWonderland]

I'd love to see you actually show/treat pests. It would help me so how to know what I'm looking for and how long it realistically takes to treat and get rid of them. ❤

[@LauraaC]

I had an awful spider mites infestation a year or so ago and captain jacks + daily leaf cleaning was the only thing that got rid of it. That stuff it amazing

[@sharonbrown5238]

I use all those preventives and I’ve been very blessed to have only had to deal with fungus gnats after I bought some soil at the wrong place I guess and one plant had spider mites and I took care of them pretty fast because it was only the one plant I changed the soil and washed and treated the plant and have never seen them again. If that plant hadn’t been new and sitting very far from any other plants I might be singing a different tune. Lol

[@reynahernandez2536]

Love this video! But what about when growing from seeds? I recently bought monstera and fern seeds and fungus gnats are arriving:( Will mosquito bits be harmful to the seeds that are still germinating? I'm trying to get rid of the fungus gnats before it's too late!

[@Winstonsmom]

I’ve been keeping plants for years… some of my plants I’ve had for greater than 30 years. I have a few from my mother, and one that was gifted to me by my preceptor in nursing school. These ones are very special to me. In terms of pests, I’ve had spider mites, mealies and fungus gnats. The only way I was able to get rid of spider mites and mealies was to get rid of the plant. The mealies were on my African violets… just no way of removing them. Fungus gnats are just something I have learned to live with. I use the sticky yellow traps and don’t overwater and that keeps them down quite well. What I can say, is that it has been many years since I’ve had anything but fungus gnats. I put this down to being ultra careful and watchful of any new plants I bring in, and keeping new plants to a minimum… well, I recently bought quite a few new plants… thanks KZbin for all the fomo lol, but most are in one room and separate from my other plants. I cannot stand the thought of getting spider mites again. Using pesticides is extremely toxic… i think if I have to deal with it again, I’ll be trying out nematodes or beneficial mites. I love watching your videos on KZbin. So much useful info! I had no idea houseplants were so popular these days… back when I started out, you would by a plant, put it in a window and hope for the best. So unless you were super keen and went to the library for a book, you would be left with pothos, maybe an umbrella plant, some Christmas cactus and perhaps some African violets. Stuff that was harder to kill. And no one had grow lights. Your plant collection is amazing and lovely. Mine is quite modest by comparison but still very important to me. I’m quite happy with my little collection. Btw, I really loved your moms collection too. Such a creative lady! I can see where you get it from!

[@tcammac]

Just FYI….According to Bonide, they say Captain Jacks is not made to be used indoors and that the active ingredient, Spinosad, can cause respiratory issues. It was my “go to” product, now I have to find something new to use indoors 😢.

[@emily2691]

This is good to know! I use neem for a pest/fungal spray but was thinking about buying the dead bug brew for pests specifically. I’ll definitely look into this before buying. I usually spray and let plants dry outside and then bring back in afterwards.

[@tcammac]

@@emily2691 I usually spray outside too but now that winter is here I’ve been SOL lol

[@emily2691]

@@tcammac I’m ultra privileged because I live in central FL and can leave almost all tropical plants outside all year. My sympathies go out to all of those with real winters :(

[@StitchesbySharonH]

I water most of my plants at the sink, so I make sure to run the water all over the leaves (except for my African violets - water is not good for their leaves) to rinse off dust and anything that may be on the leaves. I also trim off any yellowing leaves and dead leaves so pests aren’t encouraged by them. For Mealy Bugs, I swear by 90% alcohol and spray the crap out of them! I like to use a makeup pad (rather than a q tip) to wipe off individual leaves. I also spray with Neem Oil, and I spray it into the soil as well as the leaves and stems. I do use the yellow sticky traps for fungus gnats, but since I’ve been making a point to let the soil dry out completely, for most of my plants, I don’t have a problem with them anymore. I hope this is helpful for someone!! 💜💚🪴🌵

[@Empress_Moth]

When you said something in the beginning about people who say they've never had plant pests, immediately thought of myself lmaoo. Never had issues with plant pests before, cuz I really only kept cacti and succulents for the past 15 years or so. I've never had a large amount of tropicals as I was always too nervous to get into Philodendron and Anthuriums as every time I tried I neglected them too much and they ended up dying. Going from cacti to tropicals was really hard loll. Got into tropicals more this year and well... I currently am fighting a combo of thrips and spider mites. I quarantine for 3-4 weeks, sanitize new plants before bringing them into my home and before they leave quarantine. STILL ended up with thrips and spider mites. Treated every one of my plants with Captain Jacks and purchased a bunch of Green Lacewing larvae. The Lacewings seem to be doing their jobs but a lot of my plants got some decent damage. Really annoying seeing a gorgeous new Anthurium crystallinum leaf open with a bunch of thrip damage -__-

[@elvandylis867]

I wrote all your tips and products down and will start using them! A bag of potting soil I bought already had tiny millipedes in it and they must have eaten a lot of bugs. Don't know where the millipedes ended up though.

[@dawnmeyer5969]

I hope I don’t jinx myself, but I’ve only had fungus gnats. I mix in mosquito bits and systemic granules in the top layer of the soil. I also keep a pitcher of water with about 1/3 of a mosquito dunk in it and water with that. I try my best to let my plants dry out completely before watering.

[@RandomRob3000]

Been battling mealy bugs off-n-on for over a year now. Isopropyl and Cpt. Jack's with Bonide granuals seems to keep things mostly in-check. Just got back from Christmas holiday and have spider mites on at least three plants - first time in many years for me to get these pests. I know how I'll be spending the long New Year's Weekend - Treating and wiping down over 100 plants, LOL!

[@marlapifer8329]

I mix cinnamon into my soil. Works is the antifungal antibacterial also deters past. Also sprinkle some cinnamon powder on top of the soil repels fungus gnats, mold and it is also used as a growth hormone. Try it it's cheap it works

[@sofiebisgaard]

Blue traps!!? Never knew 😳 Have to try this asap!!!!!

[@deana4752]

I’ve tried the peppermint oil mixture and love it!!

[@MegMakesCrafts]

I don’t see many people talk about it but for fungus gnats I use cinnamon. I’d have to order in most anything to deal with pests so I try to do home remedies first. I just sprinkle the top of the soil with cinnamon, they hate it and won’t lay more eggs and the cinnamon makes the soil uninhabitable for their evil little offspring. I’ve used it numerous times and haven’t noticed any damage to the ones I’ve used it with.

[@skyqueenstudios]

I really don’t like the smell of peppermint oil. But I saw on someone else’s channel that they talked about sprinkling cinnamon so I got some cinnamon oil (because I wanted to spray it) and I just started it so idk if it made a difference. I have a rain barrel and find it’s pretty easy for me to just always keep a mosquito dunk in it and I use that to water my plants. In the wintertime it doesn’t freeze but I feel like the cold might affect the nematodes so I keep a mosquito dunk right in my watering can. Mosquito bits are banned in Canada so I get the dunks. You can use crush the dunk with a hammer and put it in a spice ball or a tea ball to put inside your watering can. Or if you bottom water just leave it in your watering bin.

[@SukanyaKumar]

CONTROVERSIAL! But I have had all kinds of pests...I just keep my plants healthy and allow them to acclimatise to having pests...if there are too many plants, it's tough to isolate. I do spray captain Jack once in a while and keep higher humidity.

[@PlantyGal05]

I like to add neem oil and orange oil to the insecticidal soap. Orange oil just makes everything smell better and I think I read somewhere that citrus repels bugs. However, don’t quote me on that. But I spray after each plant gets a bath and watered, and treated w azamax.

[@wandashaw3551]

Hi Harli, your tips are great!! Most of my collection is now in LECA in self watering. New plants I spray down with my homemade spray of Dawn dish detergent, alcohol, been oil and water. I saturate the entire plant and top of the soil. My plants in leca, I use mosquito bits soaked in water for them!! Knock on wood, no pest so far! 😁

[@shannonh4126]

I had no idea there was a sticky trap for thrips. 🤯 Thanks for the great info Harli? ❤

[@theonyxblack]

Great tips! Thanks for always sharing fun and informative videos 💚 I use Mosquito Dunks in the water. I put a quarter of a dunk in a 5 liter (1,3 gallon) water container, and leave it for at least a day. Then I use that to water my plants. Sometimes I add some peppermint oil too. Love the smell of peppermint!

[@sarahbelmonte8888]

I use white oil for most pests but I use is as a preventive instead of your peppermint oil trick. Leaves the leaves shined too

[@sophies5961]

Not my favorite by any means but my solid go to. I mix warm apple cider vinegar and soap. The smell makes me sick but when I had a really bad gnat problem it was a life saver

[@jenniferb4518]

Thank you Harli Great information and an excellent video

[@janfraticelli5278]

Captain Jacks is the best!

[@emily2691]

I was dealing with a pretty bad thrip problem a few months ago that I let get out of hand and bonide systemic granules literally saved my life and the life of my plants 😭. Before I bought the granules, I would throw any severely infested plants outside and shower them off (I live in central FL) and nature would do it’s job and take care of the problem bugs. I have a thriving population of different lizards, geckos, and frogs in my yard garden and they’re my best friends lolol.

[@moonfacedgirl9962]

I still use neem oil/water mix. I do have mosquito bits but I always forget to add it in the soil when I repot! I def wanna try diatomaceous earth in my soil tho!

[@ronkuehner3977]

Love your videos ! How does that plant not get root rot sitting in water ?

[@PingWing]

Another useful one! Is it important for the diatomaceous earth to be food grade? Or can I buy the kind that's for chicken coops?

[@nicolekhouri1749]

Cinnamon. I use that a lot and it works well.

[@jessgodoy4397]

I had one issue with pest when buying a plant but it was when I first started getting into plants I bought a plant that was invested with mealy bugs used neem oil and killed them all but my apartment has high humidity because our dryer vent doesn’t vent out like it’s supposed to so the heat from the dryer stays in and all my plants love it 😊

[@larrycahoon8465]

On the flashlight idea, get a magnifying glass with a light. Provides the light and makes it easier to see the small pests.

[@erinsass6653]

Hi Harley I would love to know your recipe for your peppermint oil spray

[@NeenerlandASMR]

I just ordered a sweatshirt, so excited!

[@jasminwieczorek5448]

I also just try to stay on top of inspecting the leaves when watering, I also put them in the shower every once in a while 😊

[@nhuddy]

What's your recipe for the peppermint oil. I love that over neem oil smell.

[@cooperfox7680]

I live ur vids but I only have like 35 plants 😂 I'm getting more when I move tho!

[@caseyclemons2371]

I have barely any outbreaks, I think maybe two a year? 😬 I weekly use very diluted neem with dish soap (so it sticks), very diluted because I don’t wash it off and so my plants don’t burn. Mosquito bits of course🤪, and cleaning my leaves! I refuse to buy a plant that is prone to pests because I don’t find it worth it! I inspect a plant at the store and if it looks even sort of sick I will not buy. I think not buying a pest prone plant and only buying healthy plants has helped my collection stay healthy!!

[@lorenville]

Thanks fit asking for tips for readers

[@krystalt1353]

I definitely use the neem oil. I rinse my leaves off. I also quarantine the plant for awhile.The mosquito bits work very well. I have had thrips spider mites and spiders and the nice gnats and also mealy bugs fun fun.

[@wendyparise2925]

Unfortunately in Canada we can’t get mosquito bits. We can still get mosquito dunks that have the same chemicals but at a weaker strength. 1/2 a dunk crushed into 1 litre of water. I’m now using that as the source of water for my plants plus some fertiliser in the summer months. I also worked nematodes gnat control into the soil. I bottom water and have a thin layer of Diatomaceous Earth worked into the top layer that stays dry for the most part. I detest the sticky traps because I inevitably get them stuck on my hand or arm when reaching across another plant, grrrrr! But I use them none the less as they do help reduce fungus gnats and are a good barometer for thrips, apparently they place those sticky traps in greenhouses to know what if any the thrip population is. If I encounter spider mites or aphids I treat the plant and all the plants within the vicinity with Safer’s 3 in 1 spray. I have sulphur on hand and occasionally use it as a supplement. Often I’ll work a little sulphur into the soil when repotting.

[@Alyssa-io9gj]

I love all these tips! I definitely use most of them.☺️