Pest Control for Indoor Jungles | Managing Fungus Gnats, Spider Mites, & Mealy Bugs | Ep 88

[@debbielummus4637]

Jimmy, did you mean that you use these insecticides every two weeks when you water, in all of your plants? Pests or not?

[@debbielummus4637]

And, a capful into what size watering can? 2 gallon? Thanks 💚🌿🌻

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I water with insecticides every 1-2 months and spray every 2-4 weeks, regardless of pests. I usually go toward the longer time period when I don’t have pests, and more often when I see them pop up. Capful in 1 gallon can when watering and capful in 1 liter spray bottle when spraying.

[@fabiocarvalho2105]

Jimmy, I love how your hair has his own personality, and you go along with it.

[@fabiocarvalho2105]

That's a compliment, not a read, just in case it felt like a read.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Haha thanks! 🙏🙏🙏

[@FreedomNurse]

😂😂😂

[@littlebeebs1]

Yes ! I was thinking the same thing. His hair suits him and looks perfect on him . Even though it’s just doing its own thing 😊

[@alpina4115]

I thought i was literally the only person in this community using regular insecticides 😂 it‘s just so easy and efficient 🙏🏻

[@jadkos9112]

Yes this is true, unfortunately their efficiency doesn't last, pests develop resistance very quickly (months to years) to chemical pesticides, especially Azamax. Especially when you frequently and regularly use the same pesticide for any and all pests. Please remember to be careful and educate yourself before using chemical pesticides! :) stay safe folks👋

[@jadkos9112]

Sorry dont mean to be a buzzkill 😅

[@cadencehashira]

@@jadkos9112 What is best to regularly prevent against pests if they develop resistance quickly to things like Azamax???

[@MeeCha]

Lol, the sip after you mentioned the spider mites definitely looked like that of a scarred veteran.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

🤣🤣🤣 infestations scars are a thing lol

[@FreedomNurse]

😂😂😂 He felt that in his soul.

[@amyramler4866]

Literally watching you talk about fungus gnats and how you were effected more than your plants and a fungus gnat buzzed in my ear and I swatted my glasses off my face! Ahhhh!

[@icemancometh8679]

That's like that commercial about roaches on TV and the roach crawls across the screen of the commercial and people throw their shoe at the TV!

[@ayakam2126]

Uh huh, I keep telling myself that I only have “some” plants too 😂

[@victoriaberngard588]

Yesss more footage of your plans please 😍

[@emt808]

AzaMax is great. An employee at a local hydroponic sold it to me. Those stores are a great resource for us house plant nerds. They take growing plants a little more serious and know their stuff.

[@rmarvel169]

I just love this guy! He's so knowledgeable and such a joy to watch 💞

[@markknowles7843]

Love you Jimmy, you make me laugh 😂, great videos 😊😊👍👍👍👍

[@shnuggumz]

You’ve brought up some excellent points in this video for consideration. I have to foot stomp AzaMax! Per the directions, I use a teaspoon of AzaMax per gallon of water, and spray at the first sight of any pests, rather than on a monthly schedule. After watching this video, I may ramp that up to every two months. Despite the price tag, I love AzaMax because it’s effective, and I can use it on my plants in semi-hydro. For pest control I ALWAYS use Bonide’s Systemic in my soil plants - EVERY new plant I introduce into my collection. It kills eggs and everything else. I don’t worry about that, because I provide my plants with fertilizer regularly. This combination works wonders for me. I don’t think I really need an anti fungal on the regular.

[@cmstrauss514]

Yes to the fungicide tip! Thank you! Because every pest treatment regimen (mites, thrips etc) involves spraying the leaves often or high humidity and so now I have been dealing with fungus issues for the first time. I lost an entire, full and bushy, marble queen pothos. I had read somewhere not to use fungal treatments unless you knew exactly what you were dealing with. This makes so much more sense though. Thanks

[@cristaconway]

Glad u put it out there. I just started using chemical pesticides, and I’m not going back.

[@lita7676]

I use LECA in lot of my plants with passive hydro. Plants with soil, I add a top layer of LECA or sand to mitigate the fungus gnats. I have tried using granular systemic, which was pretty successful, but I would always forget to re-add it after 8 weeks. Going to give Azamax a try as watering with that seems fairly straight forward!

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I’ve tried the sand but didn’t get great results. Also, sand or sticky traps don’t address spider mites or mealy bugs which I feel are inevitable 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@elviramattos]

I use Terrapon of Lechuza Pon on my philodendruns and others and use a very well for Control fungos gnats in Portugal.🙏💐🌵🇧🇷🇵🇹

[@Cgraseck]

Great video👍 Mealy bugs are my nemesis. I'm a Phalaenopsis collector and several years ago I lost about half of my collection to mealy bugs. I refused to spray so I was using alcohol and wiping the adults off. It was a losing battle. I finally won the war by using a systemic pesticide. These are pesticides that you add to the plant water and the plants take it up into their bodies. This does away with misting, which is considerably more dangerous to your own health. In my humble opinion, this is a hobby, it's not worth exposing yourself to toxins. Cheers, Chris

[@jackiedom78]

Thanks for the video! I enjoy your approach and not overthinking and freaking out.

[@bathos22]

I know you are not into doing plant tours but man, you have whetted my appetite for one with those shots of your "some plants" . How can you do this to me? 😂

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Lol sorry, I usually don’t film my place but figure I couldn’t just show myself talking the whole time for this episode lol

[@ReefBuildersVideo]

Aren't you concerned about killing mycorhyzzae when you treat with fungicide?

[@hobbithabits]

Jake coming in with the great questions.

[@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep]

From what I understand if you are using a good fertilizer there is no need for mycorhyzzae and in fact they can become parasitic and leak nutrients from the plant instead because it's getting all it needs which is bad. Mycorhyzzae products personally have consistently given me root rot in many plants and wide variety of types of plants. I thought how can it be doing this it must be something else and tried for force it and lost many plants. Wish I never tried it honestly. Better soil and nutrients I think is always the way to go. Save mycorhyzzae for outdoor plants in the ground not potted plants. Potted plants don't need soil based minerals made accessible to their root system. They get their nutrients in the correct form already in fertilizers.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Honestly you can probably skip the fungicide when watering. I have not been concerned about that but you are right - I should probably be concerned and they are probably dead lol

[@mikekufner1192]

I always clean new plants with Castille soap, alcohol and water when I bring them home and quarantine for a month in my husbands office where there are no plants. I clean every part of the plant stems and all with the castile soap mixture and a paint brush.. So far I haven't had an issue with anything except fungus gnats. I treat all my plants with mosquito bits everytime I water. No fungus gnats anymore. I am hoping I will not have issues in the future but I would imagine a repot and Castille soap will work. I am not opposed to insecticides. I have not found a issue I couldn't get rid of with Castille soap mix. I clean my plants every few weeks with my mix as a preventative also. I also look over my plants with a microscope pretty often and make sure they don't touch eachother ever. I am very freaked out by bugs if you can't tell. I am just realistic in knowing there will be bugs so I clean them quite often. I am sure there are bugs somewhere but if you clean them every few weeks they won't go crazy and take over. Only exception to that is if I ever saw a thrips...I would go all out chemical warefare because they are my nightmare. I pray every night that I never see one lol. I would imagine if you had a pet like a cat or dog they could hitch rides on them and spread or come in from outside. That is why I don't have pets, my plants are more important to me. One more thing I do is keep air purifiers and humidifiers near all my plants. I think it helps with the circulation of air and not having to dry of plants for bugs to come in like spider mites. It seems to really help and the plants closest to these flower a lot more than they should so its proof they love it. I am thinking about switching over to semi hydro soon because I hear its makes less pest issues.

[@jollyruthie]

Do you move everyone of your plants to somewhere for spraying pesticide/fungicide? I mean it’s not easy and practical to spray inside the house without messing everywhere.... how to spray on big heavy pots of plants if they are not so portable pls? Thanks for your nice video.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I just spray liberally and wipe up the mess after lol. I'm too lazy to move them around.

[@teresaaramini546]

Great info. I’m definitely going to incorporate a fungicide. It makes a lot of sense to be proactive. Thanks! 🌿

[@nekoneko4999]

I tried pesticides for thrips which didn't work. So I've resorted to neem oil+horticultural soap and monitored them and treated the plant for weeks. And then i got a mealy bug infestation and that one i managed with neem oil too. Now I currently have a spidermite and scale infestation on an ivy What I have realized is that if i have a pest. That particular plant needs a bit more help. Its why it has an infestation in the first place. A poor plant with poor health will suffer more compared to a plant that is healthy. So when i have an infected plant, i change soil, and start treatment and monitor for weeks

[@littlebeebs1]

Do you have any succulents that you use Azamax on ? I have all succulents. But I’m scared of leaf burn with Azamax . I use grow lights . I’d leave the lights off for a few days to be sure . The Monterey one burned my succulents really bad even though I gave them 3 days away from the grow lights after spraying . Thank you for the video 😊

[@twistysunshine]

I'm less interested in putting pesticides in if I'm moving my plants outside for the summer. But to each their own for their indoor collections!

[@joyspence6737]

Hi Jimmy I love your jungle it's 💯 beautiful and I love your passion that you have for plants you always have some unusual plants can you tell me there names in one of your video I am Jamaica and don't see some of those plant and like you share about them you are so amazing thank you for sharing with me I learn alot

[@cadencehashira]

do u think these solutions would work for scale insects too?

[@alis49281]

Fungus gnats really hate sand and non-soil on teh top of plant pots. - the adult flies are atracted by light: use a yellow sticky sticker and light it up at night. A flashlight will do. The rest of the place must be dark. - cover the soil with sand, gravel or anysthing else, even fine mosquito nets, even socks, will do - if they can't lay their eggs, they can't reproduce :)

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I agree these measures work to some degree for gnats. However, what happens when you have other bugs like spider mites or thrips or mealy bugs? You would have to do something else right? I prefer a kill-all method or regimen.

[@alis49281]

@@LegendsOfMonstera yes, against spider mites I use neem oil or Lizetan. Other products aren't available.

[@angelahan8208]

I like idea of putting sand on top of soil. I keep gnats at bay currently but I worry they will get out of hand if I neglect the care.

[@andreahorrocks6835]

Spot on reaction to reading about pests before you first get them, lol

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Hahaha yup lol

[@shysie03]

So glad I found this video! Going on follow your instructions

[@jerrelcortel3143]

I had a mealybug scare today, so I came back to rewatch this. some recommend neem oil, but I'll definitely take this approach instead, definitely more proactive and promising. like idk if I just have mealybugs, so all for on approach is good

[@RamyaPotlapalli]

can we do this spider mite treatment for monstera albo?

[@liliahodges8789]

How do you get rid of soil mites?

[@ThePlantUtopia]

Give me mealies or spider mites any day over thrips. Thrips are the hardest to get rid of and they love monsteras and anthuriums more than anything.

[@oh0my]

Same here!! Such a pain!!!

[@ThePlantUtopia]

greentealover I hate them with a passion.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I have not had the displeasure 🤣🤣. I think the key is to have a consistent regimen that helps prevent infestations, instead of acting to stop infestations.

[@ThePlantUtopia]

Legends Of Monstera you are so lucky to not have thrips with all those plants. I am jealous.

[@kimvanleur6461]

I had thrips on Both my regular Monstera’s and my Thai constallation 😭 i hate thrips. So hard to spot aswell.

[@meta.aesthetica]

When do we get a plant tour of your collection?!

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Haha probably never. Never really been my cup of tea.

[@meta.aesthetica]

@@LegendsOfMonstera nooo jimmy that makes me sad lol. I'd love to know more about what you've collected:)

[@laureljohnston90]

Do you add a capful of both insecticides and the fungicide to the same 1 gallon watering can/1 liter spray bottle or do you rotate between each one?

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I add them all in together whenever I do it.

[@carolynmorgan4581]

I was wondering the same thing! Since it’s winter for me I don’t need to water as much. So putting 3-4 separate water treatments and sprays are a lot. Lol

[@tessarose4816]

Off topic, but what do you use underneath your terracotta pots to make sure they don't scratch your furniture? (Links would be appreciated if possible)

[@ConnorAdventure]

Hey Jimmy 👋 Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with the plant community 🥰 What are your thoughts on Physan 20? Could it be used as preventative pest control? As it is also already a fungicide, you get evetything with one fell swoop

[@athenag.1634]

Great, no nonsense tips. Thank you!

[@margotfriedman5660]

Hi! So do you put both the pesticide and fungicide in the spraybottle at once, together?

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Yup 👍

[@iwannabuyplants2819]

Hi jimmy! Enjoyed the insightful video. How about topping the soil/mix with diatomaceous earth? Im having a serious gnat issue and am worried about overwatering the plants if i pour insecticide after i water them

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

The problem with diatomaceous earth is that it loses function after it touches water 😅. The way it works is that it’s so fine it’s supposed to suffocate the bugs. But when it gets wet, it clumps up and isn’t effective anymore :( I suspect high humidity also decreases its efficacy.

[@iwannabuyplants2819]

@@LegendsOfMonstera i see and that would be counter productive for aroids which usually prefer higher humidity. thanks for the useful knowledge! :)

[@isabellaisaksson5824]

Thank you for a very informative video. ☺ I have a major thrips invasion, does Azamax help against them also? Thanks! 🙏🏻🤗

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I haven’t used them for thrips because I haven’t had thrips yet, but they should! Maybe I haven’t had thrips yet because I’ve been using this regimen? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@joysmith23]

Thanks for this video!! Have you tried the AzaMax on calathea? I'm nervous bc you know, they're calathea :)

[@DominiquevonF]

Amazing video. You look so young.

[@chi_bot8648]

What about using plant beneficial insects like predator-mites to fight off mites, isopods, springtails, worms to aerate the soil and to help biodegration. I think ecosystem is important for plants to prevent fungus and pests , stimulating wind by placing small fan in room would also take care of some fungus and wet soil.

[@starfirelena]

I related so much to that tea sip after not having pests… until I found my alocasia purple sword with white spots and spider mites today. To make matters worse, I just invested in some more expensive plants like an monstera albo that I JUST moved from initial quarantine to my plant area. Sigh. Hoping that it didn’t spread. I was in denial about those webs too because I have actual spiders in my area that I left alone.

[@katypowles7872]

I bottom water all of my plants. Would this insecticide still work in regards to that? I have been spraying a neem, soap and water solution onto the leaves to prevent pests. I always put a sticky trap in new plants aswell as cinnamon on the top to prevent gnats from garden centres etc.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I used to do a lot of those things, but I don't anymore. This regimen was the easiest and most effective for me. Bottom watering may not work as well with pesticides as the water may not reach the upper portions of the soil.

[@onebadleroy4u]

Do you use all 3 at the same time? Like does it end up being 3 cap fulls of different stuff for the one gallon of water?

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Yes, I use 3 capfuls at the same time.

[@andrespalomar6557]

Thanks man for the links and useful information 🤘🏽

[@Mujirama]

i think if you only use 2 kinds the bugs can go resistant i heard

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I’ve been using this regimen for over a year. Haven’t had major issues so not sure.

[@jessajets]

“Some plants” = “AKA entire house full”

[@Doublehelixdesignsart]

Best advice out there

[@juliajones26]

I have always rub all my baby’s down with neem oil...I also use the spray as well ...I also keep an eye on the big picture...and I am not afraid to rise any of them down as well...I managed to keep them abay....you have an awesome collection they look well cared for...have a great day..

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Rubbing all the leaves down with oil seems like it would take a lot of time... I agree it's pretty effective if you have the time for it.

[@wistyfish9844]

Just fought thrips for the first time on my first “expensive plant” so this is a helpful vid 👌🏻

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Prevention and prophylactic measures are the key! Easier to act to prevent infestations than to treat because of infestations.

[@kristenjarvis7319]

I have thrips rn. Do I have to get rid of the soil and clean the pot?

[@desrtangl]

Great video. I'm a little confused by how you apply your products though. So you are adding a cap full of each to a gallon of water and water the plants with it and use them as a systemic? How often are you doing this? Every watering? Every few months? I prefer using systemic insecticides myself, and by far the best product I've used is "Bonide Systemic Insecticide Granules". 1 dose lasts 2 months and the label provides the proper dose based off the size of pot you are applying to. It works WONDERS against mealy bugs, fungus gnats, thrips and scale...all (except for spider mites) of the major pests in one go! You just sprinkle them on the surface of the soil and then as you water, they dissolve into the soil and the plant soaks it up. As far as spider mites go, I've found that proper leaf maintenance is the best method to keep your plants clean and free. I do a weekly check and carry a damp sponge with me and wipe clean any area that appears to have mites on them. Once a month I take each plant into the shower and spray each leaf off. This will remove bugs and debris. Once the leaves are dry, I apply neem spray. So far this method has been pretty good at keeping the mites away. I just ordered azamax a couple days ago so I'm interested to see how it compares to neem. This is the exact title (since I can't post the link): "Bonide (BND952) - Insect Control Systemic Granules, 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide (1 lb.)"

[@desrtangl]

...forgot to mention that the Bonide granules can be purchased on Amazon. The 1 pound container is about $15.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I add a cap full each to my gallon watering can every 1-2 months, depending on how lazy I am and how bad my pests are. I also spray with a cap full each into my 1 liter spraying bottle every 1-2 months, again depending on my laziness and pest problem. I think systemic every 2 months and spray every 1 month is probably the ideal frequency in my case.

[@r.w.5706]

You've just taught me so much. Thank you! I'm so tired of touching these sticky tabs that are filled with gnats only to do it all over again. Btw $30. is such a worth while investment as opposed to a bunch of annoying gnats or dead plants.

[@littlerhirhi4655]

I must admit I’m very lazy when it comes to pest control- the only problems I’ve really had is with fungus gnats. I let a lot of ‘friendly’ spiders live in my house though to help with pests-mostly daddy long legs which seem to live and hang out near my plants. I honestly think they help control of lot of house plant pests because I haven’t had many issues yet (fingers crossed) and I always see them cleaning up every other pests that gets into my house like flies. The only problems with them though is I have to gently move them along and clean up their webs after awhile coz they aren’t very ‘neat’ or tidy house mates as they tend to leave dried up carcasses and messy webs behind. 😅😅

[@velvetleaves6442]

Also, I love that you are a tight ass like me when it comes to spending on your plants. Lol. $$$$

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Lol 😂 definitely too thrifty for my own good sometimes

[@jeaninegoulet]

Any tips for thrips?

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

These should address thrips as well. You can always add in wiping the leaves if it's really bad.

[@icemancometh8679]

Ok, so first of all I want to say that is the cleanest house I've ever seen. I think if you just want to try to use something mild as a continual fight you can use a little bit of dish soap in water and in a spray bottle, it helps. ( all the bugs will be going puh tew! puh tew! I use Joy) It's good to quarantine plants when you bring them home even when they look good because if you buy a plant on discount it's going to be cleaned up for sale, you know, you won't see any pests cuz they cleaned it up, uh, yeah I found out by personal experience ( orchid with scale) I once had a Hoya and mealybugs swarmed it and took it over like ants on an insect, killed it. That was before soapy water and possible propagation. So don't let them get a hold on you and get a real infestation, before that happens find a friend that's in the Army and borrow his flamethrower.....done!

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I do spray my new plants very liberally when I get them. Infestations happen regardless of how careful or not careful people are though. Just gotta keep a regimen going, at least for me.

[@velvetleaves6442]

Making my own soil stopped fungus gnats in my house and greenhouse. I just make a basic aroid mix. With bark, perlite, coconut Coir, charcoal and worm castings. I was sick of seeing gnats flying around the bags in the store. That's where they mostly come from for me, the commercial mixes. Also my plants are much happier. Except for the spider mites I found in my Alocasias today. It's spread to a few other plants too. So got to deal with that now. Yay...

[@lushpapaya9932]

What is the plant behind your left shoulder called?

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

It’s a philodendron Florida ghost

[@lushpapaya9932]

@@LegendsOfMonstera Thx. Its gorgeus but I dont think ita available in Denmark

[@jadejade5303]

I prefer fungus gnats over any other houseplant pests. So far i hate thrips the most. Dont think i have spider mites or mealy bug before (fingers crossed ).

[@sassysucculent6291]

Me too! I use beneficial nematodes at the change of each season, water them in each time I water. It eliminates even the largest gnat infestation. Prevents them from getting started also. Definitely worth it!

[@meta.aesthetica]

Anyone tried carnivorous plants?

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I have not myself but I feel there are more effective ways to deal with gnats.

[@meta.aesthetica]

@@LegendsOfMonstera haha yes, alone they might not be much use but combined with treatments as an extra line of defence? They attract the pests so in theory they dont get to our plants in the first place

[@icemancometh8679]

(Infomercial insertion here) when fighting pests you might spray the outside perimeter of your house and if you make KZbin videos and talk with your hands don't be surprised if you suddenly get rained on with what you were drinking!

[@Nikibaby74]

I looked into these and they don’t say they are safe for house plants. You are having good luck though.....have you lost any plants from these products? I tried a hydrogen peroxide mix, among many other things, and it’s helping but not enough. I’ve spent way too much money and have over 100 plants inside my house, including air plants, not including outside plant though. Found my first spider mites on a trailing ivy it was isolated but still. Input that thing outside after I soaked it. The fungus gnats are the real problem!

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I’ve used this regimen for a year. It’s been working so far. It has solved my fungus gnats problem for sure as well as my spider mites. Mealybugs ongoing lol

[@francescaluongo8969]

Yeah chemical pesticides work well but they will eventually go back to nature, through water, compost,.. plus you create bug resistant to them :S I try to avoid them but it's difficult

[@hyperione]

You should rotate your head regularly, your hair is starting to follow the light source.

[@FreedomNurse]

😂😂😂😂

[@shamilbasayev99]

Lolll

[@ville8192]

You should never use pesticides "just in case" because that's exactly how pesticide resistant bugs are created over time.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

I think when you have some plants like I do, there's always something growing and chewing on the plants. I can tell you I haven't been pest-free for the last year at least.

[@Nikibaby74]

So what do you use then? I have tried just about everything and the fungus gnats won’t go away. Hate them so much!

[@MiscellaneousMichelle]

💚

[@jongle2512]

nervous for my first pests. :S

[@dizzylizzy7582]

Most of my plants spend time outside so I'm always a bit freaked about using pesticides that might affect pollinators and good insects. I use a Neem oil, water and dishwashing liquid spray on them to try to keep the bugs at bay.

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Yes, I think the outdoor environment should be managed differently. I can't really comment or give recs on that haha

[@Mujirama]

prepare for thirbs. you will become insane... XD

[@MizotheMizo]

I showered the plant and put the soil in the oven xD I hope the didn't get on the other plants 🙈

[@LegendsOfMonstera]

Yeah I’m really dreading that day haha. Wouldn’t be surprised when it happens though.

[@sigitdwiyanto198]

i prefer u dont drink when start vloging

[@johncrowe1072]

As a person who Has worked with agricultural pesticides for a decade (chemical and organic, Is food turf and ornamentals, Amongst others) And has grown marijuana both legally and illegally, Is indoors and outdoors, Is hydropotic soil, in large grows, small, grows, And flowered and pods varying fromIs a quarter gallon to a 100 gallon... I must say that the next time I watch one of your videos I will wear a neck brace so that I don't pull a muscle from cringing at some of the ignorant remarks that you make . Maybe next time Skip a cigarette break and do 5 minutes of research on just a couple of these subjects before posting a video