Fighting pests

As I mentioned in an earlier post I changed to hydro because I couldn't get rid of the fungus gnats.These little fellas are of the harmless ones as they are rather aggravating than damaging to the plant. They were gone by throwing the soil away and holding back the watering on the rest of the plants.
Yet I had to fight with thrips wich are rather stubborn and I lost a few plants for those. In fact it was my fault as I didn't treat them properly and then it was too late.
A light spider mite infestation I had on a few plants but I could keep them at bay by spraying with neem oil occassionally.
Pests can appear in a few days time and they take over your plants if you don't act. Very important to identify and control them quickly to avoid further damage to your plants. Use a magnifying glass and only after identifying the pest apply pesticides (always follow instructions on the packaging!).

To prevent an infestation:

• Inspect any new plant for signs of bugs, webbing, damaged and spotted leaves before putting it among the old ones. Quarantine them if you're not sure.
• Check your plants at every watering for pests. You can use eco-friendly pest killers such as neem oil on a regular basis to keep the bugs away.
• Keep your collection healthy, clean and well-fed. A regular shower helps physically removing insects. Avoid cramming pots where possible. You can't examine foliage and pests can spread easily from one plant to another. Damaged surfaces are attracting juice-sucking bugs (also prone to fungal infections) so always make clean cuts and remove dead leaves.

The most common pests are:
Aphids
Spider mites
Mealybugs
Scale
Thrips
Fungus gnats
Whitefly

Aphids
They are mostly outdoor pests but an open window is enough for them to find way to your house. A common on many plants these sap-sucking insects are often noticed feeding in clusters on new plant growth.
 Aphids are small (1/8 inch long), soft bodied, pear-shaped insects that may be green, yellow, brown, red or black in color depending on species and food source. As they feed, aphids secrete large amounts of a sticky fluid known as honeydew. This sweet goo drips onto plants, attracting ants (if outdoors) and promoting a black sooty mold growth on leaves. Heavy infestations will cause leaves to curl, wilt or yellow and stunted plant growth. Several species can transmit plant diseases, particularly viruses which they pass on during feeding.
 Most aphids, except for the sexual forms, do not have to mate in order to reproduce, and they produce live young, rather than eggs. This way they can multiply their numbers in a few days' time.
 They can be removed physically in large numbers with a stream of water or by pinching off the affected part of the plant. Insecticidal soap and neem oil works well on them. Their natural predators are ladybugs and lacewings so you can try to release them on your plant (only if outside).

Spider mites

Often found on the underside of leaves these tiny sucking pests can destroy your indoor or outdoor  garden. Common in North-America, and occassional in European greenhouses and plant shipments. Spider mites are not true insects, but are classed as a type of arachnid, relatives of spiders, ticks, and scorpions. Adults are reddish brown or pale in color, oval-shaped, and very small. 

 Mites live in colonies, mostly on the underside of leaves, and feed by piercing leaf tissue and sucking up the plant fluids. Feeding marks show up as light dots on the leaves. As feeding continues, the leaves turn yellow, and may dry up and drop off.

 Spider mites are most common in hot, dry conditions. Large populations are often accompanied by fine webbing. Host plants are many and include strawberries, melons, beans, tomatoes, eggplant, ornamental flowers, trees and most houseplants.

When infestation is noticed, remove the affected parts well past the webbing. A strong stream of water can reduce numbers on heavily infested plants. Apply pesticides such as neem oil, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Check the plants regularly and re-apply pesticides if necessary. Dust on leaves can encourage mites. A regular shower may stop them from coming back. 

Mealybugs

They occur in most parts of the world, naturally in the warmer parts. They are considered pests as they feed on plant juices on both houseplants and greenhouses or outdoor plants.

Mealybug females feed on plant sap, normally in roots or other crevices, and in a few cases the bottoms of stored fruit. They attach themselves to the plant and secrete a powdery wax layer (hence the name mealybug) used for protection while they suck the plant juices.

PlantID - Ficuses