As stated in other sections of this website we have had a lot of help compiling the information found on Show Quality Plants. Much of it comes from our extensive horticultural library and interviewing authorities in the field and of coarse searching the internet. We try to give credit where it is due but it is not always possible to thank everyone.

The following list of pest in by no means complete, it is just some of the most common that we come in contact with. Some are just pest, annoyances at worst like the flies that are attracted to the Stapelia or carrion flowers. Others like the pine beatle that devastate the local pine trees can be very destructive to your bonsai collection. If you have every seen a pine beetle than you know they are just ugly as they are distractive.

We will do our best to supply you with tried and true remedies both organic and chemical to rid your plant collection of common pests like mealy bugs, afids, pine beetles, red spiders and any other PEST, but we recommend that you check with your local experts, don't just assume we have it all right.

Controlling Mealybugs

Small, wingless, dull-white, soft-bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering. Mealybugs often look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch. They attack a wide range of plants. Mealybugs weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop. They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold.

Prevention and Control: Isolate infested plants from those that are not. We recommend treatment with a good water soluble insecticidal soap such as Safer or Schultz. You can also encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealybugs but insecticidal soap is by far a better choice.

Pine Beetles & Red Spiders