Small soft bodied insects covered
in a wooly substance. They attack the plants roots and underground
stems. These pests are usually detected when
the plant collapses from
a secondary disease, rot, caused from the pests biting into the
roots.
It is a good idea to check your
plants (especially asclepiads) every few months and to dip them with a
pesticide at the same time.
Treatment:
Environmentally freindly:
Wash affected area in a
solution of warm water and mild soap, remove remaining pests with a strong
jet of water (be careful not to damage the roots). Allow plant to
dry thoroughly, especially roots, to prevent rot from puncture marks
created by the pests. Remember to wash the infected plants pot
before re-using it.
the plant collapses from
a secondary disease, rot, caused from the pests biting into the
roots.