Question
I think that my indoor banana plant/tree is infected with bugs. There are
white fuzzy balls on the tops and sometimes undersides of the leaves. In
other parts, there seems to be a small insect like the one described above
(oval, white, legs ("fingers") protruding from the entire circumference. When I
tried to remove the white fuzz balls, they came off, sometimes leaving a
white residue, sometimes pulling away like tearing a cotton ball. The leaves
on the banana plant are wilting and I'm concerned. How should I get rid of
them?
Thanks in advance.

Answer
These are an insect called an aphid. They suck the plant juices from the plant and some carry a virus that can infect the leaves and cause the leaves to dry up.
Homeowner methods for aphid control.
Aphids can be killed by spraying them with soapy water,

and some insecticidal soaps are legally registered as
pesticides. Insecticidal soaps have the advantage of being
relatively non-toxic to people, birds, and other animals.
The spray solution should be directed to the places
where the aphids are most likely to be hiding or feeding.
This includes the leaf petioles and the 損ockets?br> where the petioles separate from the pseudostem. In
particular, aphids can be found feeding on young suckers
and down inside the whorl of the latest, unfurled
leaf. After spraying the aphids, do not disturb the plant
until the next day. IF the plant is small you can take a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol and put it on the aphids and this should kill them.


There are insecticides that can be used but I would try the other methods first and if the aphids still are present then check with your local nursery/garden type store for an insecticide for aphids on bananas.