A few important notes & a glossary of terms
When you bring a new plant home, inspect it for any signs of insects and keep it isolated from your other plants if you suspect pests. And remember, Swansons will always be happy to replace your plant for any reason.
This blog post is meant to help identify pests and offer treatment options. Always follow the instructions on the label of the remedy you choose to be sure you are using it correctly and safely. When using sprays or oils, we recommend testing the product for 24 hours on one leaf to be sure the plant reacts well to the treatment.
Pesticides are chemicals that may be used to kill fungus, bacteria, insects, plant diseases, slugs, weeds, and other “pests.” Insecticides are a type of pesticide that is used to specifically target and kill insects.
Insecticidal Soap is a natural insecticide, generally made of potassium salts of fatty acids. Fatty acids are extracted from palm, coconut, olive, castor, and cottonseed plants. When soft-bodied insects are sprayed with insecticidal soap their cell membranes are disrupted and cell contents leak, causing the insects to perish. Insecticidal soap is not considered toxic to humans or animals. They are not recommended for plants with fuzzy, hairy leaves.
Neem Oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in the seeds of the neem tree. It works by interrupting the life cycle of chewing and sucking insects, turning off the hormones that tell an insect feed and mate. It can also repel insects. Neem oil can be irritating to the skin and stomach, so do not ingest. It is considered non-toxic to humans and animals. Do not use neem oil on cacti and succulents.
Horticultural Oil is a lightweight oil made from petroleum, mineral oil, or vegetable oils. It works by suffocating the insects it coats and must be sprayed directly on pests to be effective. It is considered safe to use around humans and animals.
Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis is a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil. It contains spores that produce toxins that specifically target and only affect the larvae of the mosquito, blackfly, and fungus gnat. It is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Systemic Insecticides are chemicals that are soluble in water and can be absorbed by a plant and move through all its tissues. Since these insecticides are made of chemicals, they are hazardous to humans and animals if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Bonide Systemic Insect Control is a powder that is applied to the soil and watered in.
Aimée Damman
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