What's Bugging Your Plants?

To get rid of these tiny pests, spray with a strong stream of water to break up the webs and wash away some of the mites. Then spray or dip in a good insecticide (check to make sure it will kill spider mites) and repeat several times over the next few weeks.

5. THRIPS - Thrips are another very tiny, very destructive insect. Not only are they tiny, they are very fast. You think you see something, but when you look closer, it's no longer there. These little pests seem to prefer flowering plants. They suck all the juice out of the leaves. The leaves become discolored, and the flowers and buds become distorted.

Thrips need a good insecticide sprayed on them often to destroy them.

6. WHITEFLIES - Whiteflies are small flies covered with a white waxy substance. When they fly, they sometimes resemble tiny snowflakes. The immature flies are called nymphs. Both the adults and the nymphs suck plant sap. Infested plants become stunted and leaves fall.

Whiteflies can multiply rapidly, so try to get rid of them at the first sign. Spray with a strong stream of water and wash with an insecticidal soap. Repeat until there's no sign of the pests.

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