Expert: nick mccann - 12/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Like the lemon tree problem...we have a ficus tree in our living room that is well over 14 feet tall and dripping the sticky stuff all over (it is too large to take outside now but in the past I tried hosing it off etc.)I've tried safer soap and everything else to help it...would it be safe to use the Bayer Rose & Flower insecticide liquid? Thanks...Jody

ANSWER: Hi Jody, you can but the sticky secretions (of the small insect feeding) will remain even though the insects will be dead; a better idea would be to hit with a Horticultural Oil like Ultra-Fine or Soluble Oil Spray, this will loosen the sticky secretions and kill the mites or scale responsible. Either way, you will need to wash off the residual mess afterwards, but the key is to kill the insects responsible. One point, I hope you are not using the systemic (Bayer) on the Lemon. Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Nick, thanks for the advice. I was going to use the systemic (Bayer) on my ficus tree. I just washed all the leaves with dish washing soap and water. I was going to try it again with rubbing alcohol added to the soap and water. I've just had such bad luck trying to get rid of the mites or scale so thought maybe the systemic (Bayer) would work but I saw on the bottle it said not to use on potted plants. I'm so tired of cleaning off the sticky secretions from our carpet and surrounding items. Thanks again, Jody

Answer
Hi again:)..try pruning it back to a size where you can handle it and bring it outside to really go over it with an oil or soap for insects (not dormant oil!) let it sit for an hour or so and then hit it hard with your hose with a good hard stream to rid it of all the dead insects (and any live ones still hanging on) and the sticky sap they are secreting. Ficus are pretty resilient and pruning it shouldn't hurt it, it will take awhile to return to its present size , but the alternative would be to get rid of the plant altogether. Nick