House Plants/plant pests

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Question
I have a small worm in the dirt of my plants on one floor of the house, they are nocturnial and crawling out of plants at night. this is really creepy, looked in books and think they are something like milapeds?? Hate to throw out 2 of the plants being they are from family funerals. Please help.

Answer
Hi Diane,

There are pesticides that can be applied to the soil of the infested plants. However, pesticides are hazardous, so I don't recommend them.

I suggest that you take the infested plants and plunge their pots up to their rims in a sink or tub filled with plain water. Leave it for about 30 minutes. The critters will abandon ship in search of air. This usually does the trick.

For the future, use good quality, sterile potting mixes.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.  

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Will Creed

Expertise

I have professional knowledge of all indoor plants and can answer questions regarding light, water, fertilizer, repotting, and humidity and temperature requirements. I can identify plant pests and provide information on safe, effective treatment. My answers are based on 30years of professional, hands-on experience and scientific research and are clear and easy to understand.

Experience

I have nearly 30 years of professional indoor landscaping experience caring for plants in homes, offices, building lobbies, stores, restaurants, and other adverse environments. I have written extensively on the care of indoor plants. My specialties include Ficus trees, low light plants, repotting, pest control, and re-blooming holiday plants. I am writing a book on indoor plant care. Be sure to check my ratings and nominations to learn why I am the top-rated indoor plant expert. I am the only House Plant expert consistently ranked in the AllExperts Top 20.

Education/Credentials
BA, Amherst College

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