Visible bugs

Spider mites: pale speckles, then webbing Fine pale speckles on the leaves, with tiny moving dots or webbing underneath, point to spider mites. Check the underside of a… Fungus gnats: small flies around wet soil Small dark flies around the pot usually mean the soil is staying too wet. The adults are a nuisance. Their larvae can… Thrips: silvery scrapes and black specks Silvery or pale scraped patches with tiny black specks point to thrips. Look for the slender insects themselves before you treat, because… Aphids: clusters and sticky leaves Clusters of small soft insects on stems and under leaves, often with sticky or shiny residue, mean aphids. They can be knocked… Whiteflies: a white cloud when you shake the plant Tiny white insects that fly up when you water or brush the plant are whiteflies. Keep a yellow sticky card nearby and… Caterpillars in buds: corn earworm and what follows Tunnels, droppings and wilting tips in flowering buds usually mean caterpillars, often corn earworm outdoors. Check buds by hand from the start…