Expert: Will Creed - 5/10/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Will,
My son gave me a Mexican Lime tree for Mother's Day 2003.  One year later, something is eating the leaves and all new growth.  I found tiny little "moth-like" bugs on the plante stems.  They look like grayish-brown tiny moths with their wings straight back.  They could probably fly, but seem more inclined to hop.  I sprayed the plant with a mild soap and water solution, but in short order the critters were back.  I have one bloom coming out.  The first ever.  Can you identify the bug and what can I do about it?

Answer -
Hi Linda,

Your description does not fit any common indoor plant pest except possibly white flies which are white and tend to fly in swarms when disturbed. Does that match what you are seeing? Do you keep the tree outside for all or part of the year?

Will Creed

Hi Will,
I keep the tree outside for part of the year.  In fact, I just moved the tree outside about a month ago.  I doesn't do well inside, but because the the winter weather, I moved it in.  The new growth on the tree only appeared after moving it outside.  The bugs you described don't match what I'm seeing.  I guess that what I'm seeing is definately an outdoor pest.  Should I go to a different website?
Thanks,
Linda


Answer
Hi Linda,

The bugs in question are native to your area. You will have to check with a local nursery, botanical garden, or pest control company to see if they can identify this particular bug and also how to treat it.

You will probably have to take a sample bug or a photo to have it identified.

Good luck.

Will Creed